Harry Redknapp Newcastle United verdict’s now in | OneFootball

Harry Redknapp has been talking about Newcastle United.

The former Bournemouth boss discussing Eddie Howe and his team now six weeks into the new season.

Newcastle United playing Arsenal.

A 4.30pm kick-off on Sunday afternoon at St James’ Park

Newcastle United set to face the Gunners on their return to Premier League action after a Carabao Cup midweek.

Harry Redknapp talking to BetVictor ahead of Newcastle United playing at home to Arsenal:

“This feels like a big game for Newcastle.

“I just think they need a lift, need a good result.

“Some of the performances have been decent but they just haven’t taken their chances and it’s stating the obvious, but they do miss Isak.

“It was a good point for Arsenal against Man City but I thought they should have shown more ambition earlier in the game. That’s been a problem for them in a few of these big games. What a fantastic finish that was from Martinelli though!

“Newcastle have been something of a bogey team for Arsenal over the last season or so. I know a lot of that was with Isak, but those fans will be so up for this, and I can see them getting a point.

“One to watch: I do like what we’ve seen from Woltemade. A goal here would really kickstart his Newcastle career.

“Prediction: Newcastle 1 Arsenal 1”

I agree with a fair bit of what Harry Redknapp says.

Obviously, Newcastle United’s biggest strengths this season have been defensively. Nick Pope keeping four clean sheets in five Premier League matches and only one PL goal conceded when United have had 11 men on the pitch.

Newcastle have kept a clean sheet in all of the last three games against Arsenal that have been played at St James’ Park, so if doing that again on Sunday, it would go a long way to banking a fourth home victory in a row against the Gunners.

Harry Redknapp says it is overwhelmingly about missing Alexander Isak, why United have struggled for goals.

I think the reality is that this is more down to the trouble Isak caused in the summer (and how the Newcastle United mismanaged the situation, when dealing with him) and the knock on effect of the inexperienced Woltemade and Wissa arriving at the very end of the transfer window, then especially the fact that Yoane Wissa then instantly gets injured on international duty.

As for Nick Woltemade needing a goal to kickstart his NUFC career…clearly Harry Redknapp has already forgotten that the Germany international only needed 29 minutes to do so on his debut against Wolves.

Eddie Howe is carefully managing Woltemade’s minutes as he gives him time to integrate AND most importantly, doesn’t take any unnecessary risks of injury for the club’s record signing.

Alexander Isak has played a big part in Newcastle’s generally excellent results against Arsenal under Eddie Howe BUT so have many other United players, plus we now have added quality from six signings in the summer and the makings of a proper squad as well.

They are almost always tough and tight matches against the Gunners and probably Sunday will be another one. Here’s hoping NUFC are clinical in front of goal when the chances come, if so, it will be yet another home victory over Arsenal.

Newcastle United fixtures confirmed dates and times (All of the Champions League matches will also be available to watch on TV in the UK):

Sunday 28 September– Newcastle v Arsenal (4.30pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 1st October: Union SG vs Newcastle United (5:45pm)

Sunday 5 October– Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 18 October – Brighton v Newcastle (3pm)

Tuesday 21st October: Newcastle United vs Benfica (8pm)

Saturday 25 October – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)