Online Reporter
Newcastle signed off from pre-season with a 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid at St James’ Park.
The Spaniards scored both of their goals in the second half through Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann.
It makes it zero wins from six this summer for the Magpies.
Another pre-season defeat for Newcastle and a sixth game without a win, but the biggest talking point on full-time was the late withdrawal of Anthony Gordon.
The England star is currently Eddie Howe’s first pick as striker, in the continued absence of want-away Alexander Isak.
But Gordon fell to the turf with what looked like a muscle problem and received treatment for a good couple of minutes before being replaced.
He was able to walk, albeit gingerly, to the touchline, where he exited straight down the tunnel with a physio.
It is a major concern for Howe and the player, who has spoken of his desire to hit the ground running this season after a turbulent summer 12 months ago.
More news is awaited on Gordon’s injury but, if his withdrawal proves to be precautionary, we got to see the front three that will kick off the season for Newcastle, even if that unit is made up of three wingers.
Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes were in their natural positions out wide, with Gordon operating as striker.
Pace, endeavour, danger, you can tick all of those boxes.
But did they really look like scoring? Not really. Certainly not in the way the team did with Isak through the middle.
Now that may feel like stating the obvious, but the obvious fact is that Newcastle need a striker.
There is something about the balance of the side that does not feel right without one, and that was the case when Isak was missing last season.
The pity for Gordon is that he has looked razor sharp this summer, and you wonder how effective he would be in his favoured left-wing berth.
Elanga showed his pace on several occasions, beating his man on the right flank, but not enough came from it.
There is work to do for Newcastle when it comes to scoring goals, you feel. It may be that the problem is only solved by signing those specialist centre-forwards. – Daily Mail
