TOON NOT WORTH WAIT FOR GOALS

Howe unconcerned by the blanks but new faces are needed to revive his side.

- SIMON BIRD

IT'S been a month, six hours and 44 minutes since Newcastle last scored a goal from open play.

If there is a statistic that hints at how this season will pan out, that is the most worrying for Eddie Howe and his players.

Harvey Barnes netted in the defeat to Fulham on September 21 and since then, in four games, they only have penalties from Fabian Schar and Anthony Gordon to show for their attacking efforts.

After eight games last season Newcastle were a point better off in the same league position, but had scored 20 goals, admittedly with a freak eight at Sheffield United.

This time they've got just eight goals, the worst of the top half and only five teams have scored fewer.