Alarming Newcaslte United goal statistic underlines summer transfer window priority

Newcastle United have not scored from open play in over five hours of football. While defensive fragilities reared their ugly again last weekend at Spurs, the lack of goal threat at the other end should be alarming for Eddie Howe and his staff.

Tottenham Hotspur ripped through an abnormally leaky backline with ease on five occasions to stir up flashbacks from yesteryear. In reply, the Magpies barely laid a glove on the Londoners, with Fabian Schar’s scruffy free-kick goal their only shot on target.

A toothless Toon struggled on the road for the third game in a row - highlighting a desperate need for a striker this summer. Newcastle’s goal-shy frontline have not scored from open play in 328 minutes, an alarming stat that needs rectifying ahead of three crucial home games. Alarmingly, the Magpies have only scored more than once in four out of their last 18 games. If the backline were not so solid during the recent nine-game unbeaten run, Howe and Co would likely be staring relegation in the face.

Ironically, the last player to score from open play for Newcastle - Chris Wood - is a key reason why the attack is blunt. The £25million target man has struggled to make an impact since his arrival, bagging just one solitary goal against Southampton. He has earned plaudits for his work rate and aerial prowess but a striker needs to be prolific if he is to lead the line in a black-and-white shirt.

Callum Wilson undoubtedly carries a goal threat and remains the club’s top scorer this season despite not playing since December 27. That, in itself, signals why the Magpies need to sign a reliable striker once the transfer market opens. A ruthless goal machine could elevate this side into the top half of the table and, with