New striker Nick Woltemade watched from the stands as misfiring Newcastle United were held to a 0-0 Premier League draw at Leeds United on Saturday, with striker Alexander Isak again omitted from the squad as he pursues a move to Liverpool.
With Anthony Gordon suspended after being sent off in Monday's 3-2 defeat by Liverpool, the visitors went with 22-year-old William Osula up front, but he made little impression.
The lack of a proven Premier League striker caused Eddie Howe's side to struggle to keep the ball in the attacking third, and they only managed two efforts on target.
The visitors began by showing Leeds, who won their opening game at home to Everton, plenty of respect by stringing five across the back, but the home side's forward line failed to spark until Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on as a second-half substitute.
A heavy touch in the 73rd minute cost him a chance on goal, and he followed up with a powerful shot from distance that flew well wide of the target as Leeds finally began to threaten.
Stalemate at Elland Road 🤝 pic.twitter.com/nSwaR3eD4Y
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 30, 2025
The 28-year-old Calvert-Lewin also forced Nick Pope into a save with his foot, but that was the only effort Leeds managed to get on target.
Newcastle brought Anthony Elanga off the bench but the rapid former Nottingham Forest forward could not provide a decisive moment.
Howe will be hoping Isak's situation is sorted out before the transfer window closes on Monday, and that Woltemade can quickly fill the gap as his side seek their first league victory of the season after two draws and one defeat.