Newcastle are missing the 'X Factor' - but Eddie IS confident it will come

Eddie Howe believes Newcastle United are missing an 'X Factor' following a difficult summer transfer window and a relatively slow start to the season.

- by Dominic Scurr

Nick.Waltonmode.

Before last night's Carabao Cup clash with Bradford City at St James' Park, the Magpies had won just once and scored only four goals in six outings in the Premier and Champions Leagues.

They saw Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson leave Tyneside over the summer, and though Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa arrived, the former's workload is being managed carefully while the latter has yet to figure after injuring a knee playing for DR Congo.

On top of that, Anthony Gordon has missed three league games following his sending off against Liverpool.

Howe admits the summer window was 'difficult' - but has backed his side to now go from strength to strength.