Newcastle United’s pretty miserable run of form continued against Manchester City on Saturday, albeit there were signs of promise.
Despite losing Joelinton in the build-up to the game with the Premier League champions, Newcastle put in a very strong performance.
They missed an excellent chance after Ederson’s mistake in the first-half but would later surge into the lead following Bernardo Silva’s opener. Quick-fire goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon gave the Magpies hope, only for Kevin De Bruyne to change the game upon his introduction in the second-half.
Still, as disappointing as the result was, it was a much-improved performance when compared to Newcastle’s last home game, the Boxing Day defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Indeed, the team look refreshed after something of a break, which feels crucial. Howe, after all, did not sound confident about the prospect of bringing players into the club this month to ease the burden on his team.
Newcastle transfer news: Eddie Howe latest
Asked if anything was close on the transfer front and that if anything would change imminently, Howe said (via The Chronicle): “Not currently, I don’t think.”
Newcastle transfers: FFP a big problem
The idea that FFP could be a problem for Newcastle during the January transfer window was raised long before this month.
Sadly, those predictions look to have been true.
Howe has constantly made reference to the fact this will be a difficult month in which to sign players, such is the lack of wiggle room with FFP.
It does seem as if fans can expect a pretty quiet month, unless the club pull a rabbit out of a hat.
While that is believed to have frustrated those behind the scenes, it is the reality in which the club are operating.
The only real hope Howe has is that players soon start to return from injury.
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