Newcastle missing X-factor - Howe on lack of goals

Newcastle United are missing an "X-factor" but it is unfair to compare record signing Nick Woltemade to Alexander Isak, says manager Eddie Howe.

Newcastle have scored only three goals in their opening five Premier League fixtures. Only Aston Villa have managed fewer in the top flight.

Howe said Newcastle are "evolving" after talisman Isak completed a British record move to Liverpool on transfer deadline day, while forwards Woltemade and Yoane Wissa arrived late in the window.

"We have had the biggest change to the squad in my time here," Howe said.

"In an ideal world, you have a full six-week pre-season, you iron out any issues you have and you're forming your partnerships and team relationships. Then, as you start the season, they're formed.

"We're in that position now where we are going to have to do that as we play. I've got no issue doing that. I've done it before."

Wissa suffered a knee injury on international duty with the DR Congo days after finalising a £55m switch from Brentford, and looks set to be out until after the international break next month.

Woltemade has hit the ground running, having never played outside his native Germany before.

The £69m signing scored on his debut against Wolves but will need time to adjust to the physicality of the top flight.

Howe said he "didn't think any comparison to Alex is favourable to any player".

"I'm excited by the team we can be," he said. "We have certainly got things to learn about each other and formulas to try and generate that we know will work.

"The biggest thing is the foundation is solid. The team's playing at strength, but we're just missing that X-factor that I think will come.

"With the players that we have, some are guaranteed goals and have done that historically."

Isak went on strike in a bid to force a move to Anfield and the saga dragged on until the final day of business.

Howe had hoped to bring in a striker earlier, but Newcastle suffered a number of knockbacks after Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko opted to move elsewhere.

Speaking before the Carabao Cup holders' third-round tie against Bradford City on Wednesday, Howe said it was never the plan "to start the season with new players that you have to mould as you are playing".

"That was never the thought of anyone connected to the club," he said.

"It's quite clear that the summer was difficult. We have tried to come out of it as strong as we could, and I think we have."