Eddie Howe admits Newcastle lack the 'X factor' this season, as he asked for patience with £69million record buy Nick Woltemade and bemoaned the immediate loss of fellow signing Yoane Wissa.
Only Aston Villa have scored fewer than Newcastle's three goals in the Premier League and Sunday's goalless draw at Bournemouth was their third on the road.
Howe is still trying to find a way for his team to attack effectively without Alexander Isak, and concedes he would rather he'd had a full summer to work on his new-look side.