While Newcastle United ran out 3-1 winners at Wolfsburg, the lack of an alternative to Aleksandar Mitrovic up front was striking.
Newcastle United ran out comfortable and deserved winners against Wolfsburg on Wednesday as goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic, Matt Ritchie and Christian Atsu secured a 3-1 away friendly victory.
The Magpies played their best football in the first half, scoring twice, with Mitrovic leading the line, harrying defenders and offering a goal threat.
After the break, though, with Mitrovic withdrawn and Dwight Gayle sitting out, it was a different story as Newcastle operated without a traditional front man.
Ayoze Perez and Siem de Jong each had a turn as the forwardmost visiting player, but neither were able to hold the ball up and keep position in the same way Mitrovic had.
And so, again, the focus will turn to what business Rafa Benitez is able to do in the transfer market, with a new striker the clear priority.
Mitrovic and Gayle remain the only senior options and, due to issues of discipline and fitness, respectively, neither have so far proven themselves reliable across a full campaign.
The Chronicle have identified Lucas Perez as a potential signing – and Newcastle need to bring in someone of that ilk.
Newcastle’s drop-off in terms of an attacking threat after Mitrovic’s withdrawal was striking and they cannot afford similar struggles in a Premier League match.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
