UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says he would “like more goals” despite the club’s sensational season so far.

The Magpies dropped points with their goalless draw at Crystal Palace on Saturday, but it wasn’t all bad news as the club extended their unbeaten run to 15 matches.

They currently sit third in the Premier League table, six points behind Manchester City and 11 behind Arsenal. They’ve won 10 of their 20 league games this season, drawing nine and losing just one.

Newcastle boss asks for more goals

Contents

1 Newcastle boss asks for more goals
- 1.1 Magpies “trying” to attract more firepower
  - 1.1.1 Draw ‘felt like a defeat’ for Newcastle

With just 11 Premier League goals conceded this season, Newcastle have the best defensive record in the top flight. Goalkeeper Nick Pope has been key to such success.

But if there is one area where the Magpies can improve, it is going forward, with Man City, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton all outscoring Howe’s side. It is something that the Newcastle manager has thought about, but he admits that his talented, unified side will never be perfect.

“I think we have played well and our general performances have been of a very high level,” said Howe, as reported by BBC Sport.

“That’s the first thing you look for – how is the team performing. Are we seeing what we are executing in training on the pitch? Yes we are. Is it perfect? No. Will it ever be? No.

“You are always looking to improve. Of course we would like more goals but I can’t fault the effort of the players.”

Magpies “trying” to attract more firepower

The talented Alexander Isak is now back fit and among the goals, and the same can be said for his fellow striker Callum Wilson.

But one attacker that won’t be there for the remainder of the campaign is Chris Wood, who has left on loan for Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest. The switch has kickstarted a move for a new attacker, with Howe confirming the Magpies are in the market for such a player.

“The club are trying,” Howe told reporters. “That’s where we are, there is no news to give you. No positive news but there is a lot of work going on.”

Newcastle

Draw ‘felt like a defeat’ for Newcastle

The standards have undoubtedly been raised since Howe took over at Newcastle, which has of course been helped by the recent influx of money from the owners.

But there has been a real sense of unity among the players, coaching staff and supporters, with everyone helping pull the club in the right direction.

They are now comfortably in the Champions League places as the halfway stage of the league campaign passes, and are not looking like slowing down anytime soon after securing the 15-game unbeaten record.

Such success is normally welcomed with open arms, but the Newcastle boss says the latest draw “felt like a defeat” given the ambition to win every single game.

“To go 15 games is a hugely satisfying achievement,” said Howe. “The disappointing thing is after the game on Saturday it didn’t feel that way, it felt like a defeat.

“The expectations are so high internally and externally and we are very motivated as a group that we were disappointed with the actual result, not the performance.”

The Magpies return to action tonight with a League Cup semi-final first leg meeting with Southampton.