The pressure really is on Paul Mitchell after Newcastle United’s Premier League draw with Bournemouth.

Newcastle United were unable to follow up their opening day win against Southampton with another victory, as their away day woes from last season threatened to continue into the new campaign.

It was almost another unhappy return to the south coast for Eddie Howe, who has still not won at the Vitality Stadium as an away manager. Newcastle were able to rescue a draw, with Anthony Gordon netting an equaliser after Marcus Tavernier netted the opener.

Overall, it was a pretty disappointing performance from the Magpies, with last week’s heroes failing to continue their good form. Joelinton was amazing against Southampton, but was at fault as Tavernier gave Bournemouth the lead. It was really poor from Joelinton, who dawdled in possession and gave it away in a dangerous area.

Newcastle’s struggles come while the transfer market is still open, but that will not be the case for much longer.

Newcastle aiming to sign a centre-back and a winger

The summer transfer window is set to close on August 30th. As it stands, Newcastle have still not signed a centre-back or a winger, which were the two priorities following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.

At the moment, it looks like a centre-back is more likely to arrive. Newcastle United are hoping to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, but are yet to agree a deal. Following their 2-0 defeat to West Ham on Saturday, Oliver Glasner was unable to confirm whether or not Guehi will be staying.

While Newcastle absolutely need to sign a centre-back, the game against Bournemouth proved that a right winger is much more pivotal.

It has been reported that Newcastle are ‘actively looking’ to sign a winger, and it is now clear that they need to look even harder.

Jacob Murphy really struggled on Newcastle’s right against Bournemouth

Just like he did against Southampton, Jacob Murphy started on the right of attack versus Bournemouth.

His first game of the season was ended early after Fabian Schar’s red card resulted in him being sacrificed, which was a shame after Murphy had done so well in pre-season.

However, his second appearance proved exactly why Eddie Howe cannot rely on him to be Newcastle’s starting winger – especially if he wants to guide the club back into the Champions League.

There was a real lack of quality down that flank, and things only started to change when Harvey Barnes came on. His arrival resulted in Anthony Gordon moving to the right, and they combined for Newcastle’s equaliser.

It is a big five days for Paul Mitchell

If it was not clear before this game, it is now absolutely imperative that Paul Mitchell brings in a winger before the transfer window closes. Murphy and Almiron do not have the quality required to get Newcastle where they want to be. That has been evident all summer, yet Newcastle are leaving it to the final few days to act.

Mitchell has got five days to give Eddie Howe what he needs, all the while dealing with the pressures of profit and sustainability.

It has been a tough first summer as Newcastle sporting director, with Mitchell yet to properly show off his recruitment expertise. That needs to change by Friday.

While Newcastle fans keep everything crossed that a winger arrives, Yankuba Minteh continues his lively start at Brighton. Jamie Carragher has suggested Newcastle will regret selling Minteh, even if his exit was enforce due to PSR.