Eddie Howe disagrees with Sandro Tonali after Newcastle’s draw at Leeds

The search for a first win of the Premier League season continues for Newcastle United after a hard-fought but ultimately frustrating goalless draw away at Leeds United.

In a match where chances were few and far between, both teams had to settle for a point, leaving Eddie Howe’s side still looking for that elusive victory after three matches.

The result highlighted both the resilience and the limitations of a squad dealing with significant absences and ongoing off-field distractions.

One of the most notable aspects of the game was the tactical adjustment made by Howe. With key midfielder Joelinton sidelined due to injury and striker Anthony Gordon serving a suspension, the manager opted to switch to a back five formation.

This change was designed to provide greater defensive solidity and compensate for the lack of familiar faces in the lineup.

Sandro Tonali, who himself was a doubt after suffering a shoulder injury against Liverpool just days earlier, was passed fit to start alongside Bruno Guimarães in the center of the park.

After the final whistle, Tonali offered his perspective on the match. He expressed pride in the team’s effort and insisted that Newcastle had been the dominant side, controlling large periods of the game.

He acknowledged the difficulty of playing at Elland Road but felt that the team’s performance deserved all three points.

The Italian midfielder pointed to the need for improvement in the final third, emphasizing that converting chances is the next step for this team.

From his point of view, the underlying performances against Aston Villa, Liverpool, and now Leeds have been encouraging, even if the results have not always followed.

When these comments were put to manager Eddie Howe, however, he offered a slightly different interpretation.

While respectful of his player’s viewpoint, Howe admitted that he did not necessarily see the game in the same way. From his position on the sidelines, he felt that Newcastle had moments of promise but lacked the creativity and sharpness needed to break down a determined Leeds defense.

He was quick to praise the team’s defensive organization and commitment, which secured a valuable clean sheet on the road, but he also acknowledged that the attacking fluidity was not quite there.

This difference in perspective is not unusual in football. A player on the pitch, involved in the heat of the battle, often experiences the game differently from a manager watching from the technical area.

Tonali’s focus was on control and effort; Howe’s was on outcome and efficiency. Both views contain truth—Newcastle did compete well and limited Leeds’ opportunities, but they also struggled to create clear-cut chances of their own.

The match also underscored the ongoing challenges facing the team. The absence of a recognized senior striker was keenly felt.

New signing Nick Woltemade was ineligible to play, Alexander Isak remains absent amid continued transfer speculation, and Gordon was unavailable due to suspension.

This lack of firepower up front is a concern that the club is working urgently to address before the transfer window closes.

For now, the focus turns to improvement and preparation. The international break provides a chance to regroup, work on the training ground, and integrate new signings.

The foundation, as both Tonali and Howe would agree, is there. The spirit and work rate are undeniable. The next step is turning solid performances into winning ones—and that will be the priority when the Premier League action resumes.