Newcastle United’s alarming regression exposed as Eddie Howe needs quick solution to major problem

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Newcastle United have taken a backward step under Eddie Howe when compared to this time last season.

The Magpies suffered their second defeat of the Premier League season on Saturday afternoon after losing 1-0 to Brighton at St James’ Park.

Newcastle United have now dropped down to eighth in the Premier League table and have gone four league games without a win – the last came against Wolves more than a month ago.

The results are not overly alarming given that Newcastle are still only five points off the top four, but Eddie Howe may start having sleepless nights over the lack of goals.

To make matters worse, Newcastle are now entering a treacherous run of fixtures.

Newcastle United face major goal problem

After Saturday’s defeat, Newcastle have only scored eight goals in eight Premier League matches. Only five top-flight teams have scored fewer.

Newcastle have failed to take advantage and score when in control of matches and have now missed a total of 12 big chances in the Premier League this season.

Alexander Isak struggled against Brighton and fumbled a big opportunity just minutes before Danny Welbeck’s equaliser.

Howe is expected to qualify for Europe this season, but if Newcastle are going to achieve that then they will need to improve the quality of finishes in front of goal.

If we take a glance at Newcastle’s goal record at this stage last season, the regression over the past 12 months is blindingly clear.

After eight Premier League matches in the 2023/24 season, Newcastle had scored a staggering 20 goals – more than twice the amount scored by the side this season.

It included five against Aston Villa on the opening day and eight against Sheffield United. Newcastle currently look miles off the form they showed early last season.

Eddie Howe needs a quick fix at Newcastle

Howe is safe from the sack, but if poor performances continue and the lack of goals is not fixed then pressure will quickly ramp up.

The fixtures on the horizon for Newcastle suggest they will need to solve their shooting problem quickly.

Newcastle are facing a double header against Chelsea – in the Premier League and Carabao Cup – before hosting Arsenal and then travelling to high-flying Nottingham Forest.

READ MORE: Former Newcastle star hints at Alexander Isak problem after ‘big moment’ vs Brighton

If Newcastle plan on turning their poor form around in those four games then the forwards will need to be much more clinical.

The only win in the last five games came against League Two opponents AFC Wimbledon and even then Newcastle relied on a penalty.

Things could go from bad to worse if Howe is unable to improve his side’s finishing.