Although the defeat against Arsenal continued the series of negative results for Newcastle in the preparation period, the performance this time carried more positive indicators compared to the humiliating fall against Celtic (4-0) a week ago, especially in light of the continued absence of the first striker Alexander Isak.
Swedish wing deal, Anthony Elanga, coming from Nottingham Forest for 52 million pounds, has been controversial since its announcement. But the player quickly responded to skepticism, by scoring an early goal in his first appearance as a basic with the team, after a decisive pass from Sandro Tonali, ending with a shot that hit the right post and settled the net.
Although the shot was inaccurate, concentration and smart movement behind the defense made clear its great potential. With his essential participation, the fans reminded that the team still has a good quality of the players, and that the Hao project did not completely appear, despite the disappointments of the summer.
“Elanga has shown an important addition … We now have good options in the center of the right wing.”
The absence of Isaac from the Asian tour is still a lot of controversy, especially with the club’s confirmation that he was injured, while “The Athletic” reports revealed that the player chose not to travel himself. On the other hand, Arsenal, his new striker Victor Gikiris (value of 55 million pounds), in front of the fans, presented an indirect message about the aspirations teams.
With this absence, the focus turned into Will Osola, the 21 -year -old striker, who is participating essential due to the lack of an alternative. He played 76 minutes against Celtic and 73 minutes against Arsenal.
Osola has the elements of the modern striker: length, speed, feet, desire to pressure, and move behind the defenses. He almost scored a great goal from a header had it not been for the ball that passed near the post.
Haw commented after the meeting, saying: “Osola’s performance was much better than the Celtic match … He must be ready to open the season against Aston Villa if necessary.”
While negotiations to contract with Yuan Wesa from Brentford, Benjamin Cisco’s transition from Leipzig seems to be a distant dream, Newcastle faces a real offensive crisis.
Dutch defender Sven Potman entered the two halves of the match, in a new 3-4-3 plan. But in the 70th minute, he went out, indicating a discomfort in the connective muscle.
Haw said briefly: “He felt a slight tension in the connective muscle … We hope it will not be dangerous.” But given the player’s score with injuries – as only 21 league games started in two seasons – his exit represents an indication of a clear concern, although the sources close to the player confirmed that the switch was only precaution.
So far, Newcastle has not contracted with a defense heart, guard, striker or midfielder; What makes any new injury at this time more complicated.
Newcastle is fighting on more than one front: preserving its stars, persuading its deals, and facing injuries … while the watch beats strongly before the start of the new season.
