Eddie Howe's one-word answer when asked about last-minute transfers speaks volumes
Newcastle United were absolutely demolished in the second half at Anfield last night as the fixture schedule, injuries, and lack of squad depth came into effect in full force.
To give the lads all due credit, they were brilliant for 40 minutes in the first half against Liverpool last night, and probably should have had more than just one goal to show for it.
However, a two-minute salvo from former Newcastle target Hugo Ekitike turned the game on its head going into half-time and then after the break, there was no sign that Newcastle had anything left to give.
Never has the need for new players been clearer than it was last night. Our team's fitness levels looked almost like Steve Brucian levels, and it's not their fault; we're not digging out anyone in particular here. The schedule has been relentless, and the lack of squad depth combined with injuries means that many players are simply playing far too much.
Eddie Howe looked defeated when asked about possible last-minute transfer deals
There are less than 48 hours left in the January transfer window, and last night, Eddie Howe confirmed what we've all been thinking for a while when asked if there would be any late incomings during his press conference last night.
"No."
It wasn't just the answer that was disappointing, but the manner in which it was delivered. You could sense that Howe is seething at the lack of action this month. Anyone with even a baseline understanding of the game can see how desperately we need players in, so why aren't the club backing their manager?
We promised not to judge ... but we're judging hard!
The idea that the club are trying to keep their budget for the summer makes absolutely no sense now. If we don't do something now, we'll have no chance of getting into Europe and then all that money will be useless because we won't be able to attract the players we need.
Eddie Howe hinted at one potential incoming before the window closes ... Mat Targett returning from Middlesbrough. Well, that'll turn the season around for us, won't it?
David Hopkinson and Ross Wilson aren't making the best impression so far. We didn't want to judge them in January, but that was when we thought we'd be fine this season. We're clearly not, and this lack of action this month is borderline negligence.
