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Under Eddie Howe, Newcastle United won their first major domestic trophy in 70 years last season 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. " Latest Newcastle news, analysis and fan views Get Newcastle news sent straight to your phone 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. " Woltemade shows Newcastle there is life after Isak Newcastle 'evolving' - but must add goals to clean sheets 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. " This video can not be played Pope denies late winner in goalless draw between Bournemouth and Newcastle Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Kirk killing increases Ryder Cup risk - New York police 'I flew 5, 500 miles and paid £900 for a Premier League ticket but was turned away' Arsenal's Madueke out for about six to eight weeks A respectable man leads a vicious 'firm' of thugs How did Play Station games help Rooney at Manchester United? Panorama investigates the desperate shortages of food in Gaza Kerry James Marshall, painter, shares his cultural influences 'I flew 5, 500 miles and paid £900 for a Premier League ticket but was turned away' Has modern football adopted the Allardyce playbook? We asked him Forty years on, how Jacklin revitalised Ryder Cup How best in the world Dembele finally lived up to his potential Bonmati's journey from hospital bed to record third Ballon d'Or Horner, the £52m pay-off, and what next for ex-Red Bull boss? Hampton's rise to best keeper in the world How England 2025 boomed into biggest Women's Rugby World Cup ever Why Friday's opening session is likely to shape Ryder Cup Why do West Ham keep conceding from corners? GB fail to win gold for first time in 20 years - where it went wrong Martinelli snatches late draw for Arsenal against Man City. Video Martinelli snatches late draw for Arsenal against Man City Piastri 'drops ball' but did Norris miss opportunity? GB's Hunter Bell and Hodgkinson take 800m silver and bronze. Video GB's Hunter Bell and Hodgkinson take 800m silver and bronze Guardiola gamble almost pays off as Liverpool cash in 'Silly and naive' - Rooney on Casemiro's poor decision-making Video'Silly and naive' - Rooney on Casemiro's poor decision-making Ekitike gives Liverpool boss Slot dream striker conundrum Kildunne and Jones shine as England beat France to reach final. Video Kildunne and Jones shine as England beat France to reach final Euros backheel and vineyard dreams - Russo in her own words Premier League ticket black market exposed Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.