Leeds 0-0 Newcastle

&c

Newcastle extended their winless run at the start of the season to three games in a bore draw at Elland Road on Saturday teatime, as the familiar lack of cutting edge was more concerningly matched by an inability to create anything of note.

Hindered by the lack of Isak and Gordon, Howe reverted to the 3/5 at the back that worked so well away at Arsenal in the cup last season but so badly at home to Everton on the last day of the campaign.

Sadly (and somewhat predictably), it had the latter effect again here.

However, I'm writing this after the transfer window SLAMMED SHUT® and it's tempting to say that, having bolstered every area of the squad that needed attention and rid ourselves of our rodent problem, the season starts now.

Unfortunately however, the season started three games ago, with a certain £130m asset choosing not to partake, leaving us playing catch up as one of four teams yet to get a win.

I suppose for once this stupid early-season international break has come at a good time (though most of our signings will be away), and when we welcome Wolves to St James' Park we should be able to field at least one striker.

With the banking of £130m and the captures of Elanga, Ramsdale, Thiaw, Ramsey, Woltemade and Wissa, alongside a whole host of youngsters (most notably Antonio Cordero and Seung-soo Park) and this has been, in my eyes, a fantastic window.

The problem is having left it so late to bring in any attacking reinforcements has cost us points.

I understand there are moving parts, domino effects to transfers, etc but at the very least we should have had a Wilson replacement in for pre-season.

But we are where we are, and that is with a very, very strong squad and an elite, trophy winning manager.

Bring on Wolves and then who's next? Ah yes.

Barcelona.