Eddie Howe and his club have now lost five games, and although no one would argue that preseason results are extremely important, Newcastle United cannot be blamed for needlessly storing up momentum.
Isak, who has stated his wish to leave Tyneside and was the target of Liverpool’s unsuccessful £110 million ($148 million) deal, was not the target of any criticism, but this 2-2 tie with Espanyol did not exactly resemble a declaration of purpose. It came after losses to Team K-League, Arsenal and Celtic, as well as another tie with Tottenham Hotspur.
As pre-season games go, the one that ended in a 2-2 draw at St. James’ Park between Newcastle United and Espanyol was a lively affair. Two great debuts Aaron Ramsdale’s goalkeeping show, including a vital penalty save versus Park Seung-Soo’s animated performance, which garnered a warm round of applause from the home crowd. Edu Exposito put the visitors ahead with a smashing shot that eluded Ramsdale.
However, Newcastle replied almost instantaneously, with Matt Targett heading in a fine equalizer direct from a Lewis Miley cross, providing moments of renewed energy and attacking intent.
ALSO READ: Sex Toys Thrown on WNBA Courts: Fans’ Stunts Spark Outrage and Legal Action
Late Drama and Unfinished Business
The contest continued amidst sporadic bursts of intensity until Jacob Murphy’s 77th-minute effort capitalizing on a defensive blunder seemed to provide the winner. Moments later, Kike García struck with a dramatic late header, keeping Espanyol’s pre-season unbeaten and ensuring a share of the spoils.
Newcastle’s inability to maintain a lead creates a pathway down a repeated pre-season theme: flashes of quality impeded by weak defensive moments and unfinished tactical systems.
Squad Depth and the Isak Conundrum
Off the field, uncertainties abound as this seems to cling on around Isak. Manager Eddie Howe confirmed that Isak is currently training by himself on account of a transfer request, and that leaves the striker’s future uncertain. Meanwhile, Newcastle is still struggling to put a strong frontline together.
The void notwithstanding, players like Miley, Ramsdale, and Seung-Soo Park lent some forward movement to the team and did suggest some kind of cohesion. However, the lack of established attacking depth will be more worrisome at this point, with the Europa League and Premier League schedules fast approaching.
ALSO READ: Tottenham vs Newcastle: Son Heung-min Announces Spurs Exit Ahead of Club-Friendly
