5 things learned as Newcastle offer cause for concern vs Espanyol

The Magpies’ winless pre-season continued at St James’ Park as a late Espanyol equalizer canceled out Newcastle’s second-half comeback in a 2-2 Sela Cup draw.

While the result itself carries little consequence, the performance exposed several worrying trends that Eddie Howe must address before next week’s Premier League opener against Aston Villa.

Striker Crisis Reaches Breaking Point
William Osula and Sean Neave’s struggles up front highlighted Newcastle’s desperate need for attacking reinforcements.

Neither young striker has shown they’re ready to shoulder Premier League responsibilities, with Osula particularly anonymous against Spanish opposition.

The absence of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson looms large, amplifying the urgency for signings with the season just days away.

Newcastle’s hierarchy cannot afford further delays in securing a proven goalscorer if they hope to improve on last season’s disappointing finish.

Midfield Depth Concerns Persist
Lewis Miley’s bright performance provided one positive, with the 19-year-old showcasing his creative instincts in setting up Matt Targett’s goal.

However, Newcastle’s thin midfield options remain alarming. With only four fit central midfielders available, including the still-developing Miley, the lack of depth in this crucial area could prove costly during the grueling campaign ahead. The need for another quality addition in the engine room grows more pressing by the day.

Defensive Vulnerabilities Return
Newcastle’s defensive frailties resurfaced despite fielding a strong backline. The ease with which Espanyol carved open chances followed a worrying pattern from earlier friendlies.

While pre-season results matter little, the recurring defensive lapses suggest systemic issues rather than temporary rustiness.

Eddie Howe must quickly rediscover the organizational solidity that once made his side so difficult to break down.

Park Seung-soo Emerges as Silver Lining
South Korean teenager Park Seung-soo again impressed in his brief cameo, displaying the directness and technical flair that have made him Newcastle’s standout pre-season performer.

His ability to beat defenders one-on-one offers a different dimension to Newcastle’s attack, though questions remain about whether he’s ready for regular first-team action.

The club faces a delicate decision – keep him as a wildcard option or sanction a loan for regular minutes.

Targett’s Versatility Provides Food for Thought
Matt Targett’s eventful evening saw him score, concede a penalty (saved by Aaron Ramsdale), and switch positions mid-game.

While unlikely to start against Villa, his flexibility across multiple positions makes him a useful squad option. His performance at least reminded management of his availability after becoming something of a forgotten man in recent months.

As Newcastle prepare to face Atletico Madrid in their final pre-season test, the Espanyol draw has amplified more concerns than it alleviated.

With the transfer window’s clock ticking and the Premier League season looming, Eddie Howe finds himself racing against time to address glaring issues in his squad.

The coming days could define whether Newcastle start the campaign as contenders or find themselves playing catch-up once again.