Newcastle United just made bittersweet Premier League history, it’s a conundrum for Eddie Howe

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It has been a mixed start for Newcastle United in the Premier League this season, with Eddie Howe’s side struggling in front of goal.

The Magpies are not known to be fast off the blocks at the start of Premier League seasons, and it is no different after five games of the 2025/26 campaign.

Newcastle United drew their third game of the season on Sunday, holding a lively Bournemouth to a goalless draw. Eddie Howe’s side registered just one effort on target throughout the game and spent most of the time defending their own box due to more of a defensive approach from the 47-year-old.

Attacking appears to be the main issue for Newcastle this season, with just three goals in their opening five league games. That could be down to the lack of a natural striker in the first three games, with Anthony Gordon leading the line before being replaced by William Osula against Leeds United.

While it was another point on the board, Newcastle set a Premier League record as a result of the draw.

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Newcastle United set a record for goalless draws away from home

The point means that Newcastle have only lost one game so far this season, with the late defeat to Liverpool their only blemish on the fixture list.

Scoring at St James’ Park is not much of an issue. All of the goals scored by Newcastle have been at home, with the Magpies even netting late on in the Champions League against Barcelona. However, Howe’s players just cannot seem to find the back of the net away from home.

Alexander Isak was on strike from Newcastle for the first two Premier League away games, while Nick Woltemade watched on from the stands during the bore draw against Leeds before the international break.

Adding the Bournemouth game into the fold, Newcastle have now made Premier League history by becoming the first team to draw their first three away games 0-0.

The last time anything similar was replicated in the Premier League was when Burnley drew three of their first five games 0-0, though two of those games were at home.

Leicester City were the last top-flight team to draw their opening three away games of the season… in the 1976/77 season.

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Newcastle United’s Premier League record has its pros and cons for Eddie Howe

Newcastle can take their record with a pinch of salt. While it means that they are not scoring, it also shows that their defensive work has been spot on away from home so far this season.

Howe could not have asked for much more at the start of the season had he known that four of Newcastle’s opening five games would result in draws, even if they are finding it hard to hit the back of the net.

If Woltemade can get up to speed with the Premier League and his teammates can supply him with the deliveries he needs, Newcastle could be on to a winner both at home and on the road.

Speaking about the draw post-match, Howe told the press: “It’s three 0-0s away from home for us, which is really uncommon with our attacking style.

“I think just naturally we’re going to be a different team attacking-wise this year without Alex (Isak).

“I’m hopeful we’re evolving to a different team, hopefully a better team, but it may take a bit of time.”