Worse than Isak: Howe must ditch 54-touch Newcastle dud who lost possession 11x

Newcastle United’s 4-1 defeat to AFC Bournemouth at St James’ Park on January 17, 2025, was a dramatic and unexpected turn of events for the club. This result marked the first time Newcastle had lost in the new year, breaking a stunning nine-match winning streak in the Premier League. Prior to the match, Eddie Howe’s side had been in great form, sitting comfortably in the upper echelons of the Premier League standings. The defeat was not just a bitter blow to their confidence, but it also had significant implications for their position in the league table, with the club at risk of slipping outside the top four depending on how other results unfold in the coming days.

Bournemouth’s performance was a breath of fresh air, with Justin Kluivert playing a starring role by scoring a remarkable hat-trick. His three goals tore apart Newcastle’s defense, and Milos Kerkez added a fourth late in the match to cap off a remarkable win for the Cherries. The result came as a shock to many, given Newcastle’s impressive form up until this point. Despite their best efforts, Eddie Howe’s team failed to cope with the pace and intensity of Bournemouth’s attack, and several Newcastle players had disappointing performances that raised questions about their readiness for the rigors of Premier League football.

One player whose performance stood out for all the wrong reasons was Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker had been in superb form, scoring in eight consecutive Premier League matches leading up to this clash, including goals against some of the biggest teams in the league, such as Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool. Fans and analysts alike had hailed him as one of the most in-form forwards in English football. However, against Bournemouth, Isak was barely involved in the match, and his performance was described as lackluster.

Throughout the 90 minutes, Isak failed to register a single shot on target, nor did he manage to force a save from the Bournemouth goalkeeper. This lack of contribution was starkly contrasted with his previous performances, where he had been a constant threat in front of goal. He completed only 18 passes during the game, an incredibly low number for a player of his stature and importance to the team. His inability to get into dangerous positions and create chances for himself or his teammates was one of the key reasons why Newcastle struggled in this match.

The Swedish forward also had difficulties in duels, winning only three of his seven ground battles. He lost possession of the ball 11 times, contributing to the overall lack of fluidity in Newcastle’s attacking play. It was clear that something was off in Isak’s game, and this rare underperformance raised concerns over his mental and physical readiness. While not every player can be expected to perform at the highest level every week, this display was notably underwhelming for someone who had been one of the team’s standout players in recent months.

Another key figure in Newcastle’s defeat was defender Valentino Livramento, who struggled mightily to cope with the pace and directness of Bournemouth’s attack. Livramento, who had been starting regularly for the Magpies, was deployed at right-back for much of the match but was forced to switch sides to the left after a substitution. Throughout the 90 minutes, Livramento found himself repeatedly outpaced and beaten by Bournemouth’s attackers. He was dribbled past on three separate occasions, which is a worrying stat for any defender, but especially concerning for a player whose primary role is to stop wingers from causing damage.

In addition to being beaten in one-on-one situations, Livramento’s overall contributions to the game were disappointing. He made only two tackles during the match and won just one of his aerial duels. With such limited defensive output, he was unable to help shore up the defense, leaving Newcastle vulnerable on the counterattack. His passing also left much to be desired, as he delivered three crosses during the game, all of which were inaccurate. Crosses are a crucial part of a full-back’s offensive duties, particularly in matches where the team is chasing a goal, so failing to connect with a single cross was a major setback for Livramento.

Livramento’s struggles were not just limited to his defensive capabilities. Going forward, he was equally ineffective. He only managed to complete one dribble and failed to create any meaningful chances for his teammates. The right-back was clearly off his game, and it was evident that his performance was below the standard expected from a player of his caliber. His overall display, which included losing possession 11 times, was far from impressive, and it’s likely that manager Eddie Howe will have to reassess his place in the starting lineup for upcoming matches.

The question now arises whether Eddie Howe will make any significant changes to his starting lineup ahead of Newcastle’s next match against Southampton. Given the disappointing performances of both Isak and Livramento, it is entirely possible that Howe will decide to make tactical adjustments to ensure that his team is more competitive in the coming fixtures. One change that seems almost inevitable is the return of Kieran Trippier to the starting XI. Trippier, who has been in and out of the lineup this season due to various injuries, could replace Livramento at right-back. Despite playing limited minutes this term, Trippier has shown that he still possesses the quality and leadership required at the highest level.

Trippier has been an important figure for Newcastle since his arrival, bringing not only defensive solidity but also creativity from the back. His ability to deliver precise crosses and provide an attacking outlet on the right side of defense could be crucial for Newcastle in their upcoming fixtures. Trippier’s experience in high-pressure situations, including his time in the Premier League and international football with England, makes him a valuable asset. He has demonstrated that he can succeed in both defensive and offensive roles, with an 86% pass success rate and an ability to recover the ball effectively.

In addition to considering changes in defense, Eddie Howe may also look at potential reinforcements for Newcastle’s squad. While the Magpies have already made significant strides in the transfer market in previous windows, it seems likely that they will look to further strengthen their ranks during the January transfer window. The club has been linked with a potential move for a new goalkeeper, as it seems that Howe is looking for an upgrade on Nick Pope, who has been solid but may not be the long-term solution between the posts.

There have been reports suggesting that Newcastle is keeping an eye on several goalkeepers, with some sources indicating that they could make a move for a player who has been performing well in the top European leagues. This would signal the club’s intention to ensure that they have the strongest possible squad for their top-four ambitions. In addition to a new goalkeeper, Newcastle may also look to add depth to their attacking options. While Isak has been fantastic at times, there is a need for greater competition in the forward positions, and another striker could help bolster their attacking options.

As for the rest of the Premier League, several other clubs are also looking to make moves in the January window to improve their squads. Arsenal, for example, is reportedly in talks with a £63m striker, which could be a significant signing to strengthen their attack. Manchester City is also reportedly keen on adding to their squad, with rumors circulating that they are targeting a player from La Liga. These moves show how the top clubs are gearing up for the second half of the season, and Newcastle will need to make smart decisions in the transfer market if they are to remain competitive.

Looking ahead, Newcastle’s immediate priority must be to recover from this heavy defeat and refocus on their next match against Southampton. The team’s performance against Bournemouth was a reminder that even the best sides can have off days, and it’s crucial for Howe and his players to bounce back quickly. The next few weeks will be critical for Newcastle, as they aim to secure a top-four finish and qualify for European competition next season. With changes likely on the horizon and key players needing to step up, it will be interesting to see how the Magpies respond to this setback and whether they can regain their momentum.