There is frustration on Tyneside, but only because expectation has escalated. Understandably so, given the money spent and the fine job Eddie Howe has done since January.
But now Newcastle are being met with fresh challenges, simultaneously having to learn how to break down opponents set up to contain, while also working out a way to get the best from £60million Alexander Isak. The answer to the latter could well provide the solution to the former.
The record books state that club-record signing Isak has scored two in three since arriving from Real Sociedad, but all of the talk at St James’ Park on Saturday — and two weeks prior following a home stalemate with Crystal Palace — was of an isolated figure not yet in tune with his team-mates.