Kenedy could well have salvaged a point if his first touch hadn’t let him down when he was put through on goal in the second half against Spurs. However, it shouldn’t detract from a very good all-round display.
The Brazilian’s ability to ghost past players with his superb close control and dribbling skills were a sight to behold on Saturday.
Fans on Twitter reacted to a stat that showed Kenedy had the joint most successful dribbles across the first round of Premier League fixtures:
Gutted this is our last year with him, he's going to be some star in the future.
— Peter ???????? ???????? (@Rea_ctor) 12 August 2018
???????????? next year… no Kennedy, no Rafa, no hope
— Richard Stanfield (@stan1420) 12 August 2018
Kenedy showed yesterday the ability and class he has. It's a crying shame that he doesn't have a full back who is prepared to overlap or get forward to create space etc #NUFC
— Jon Lamberton (@Lambie_Ov_Hebn) 12 August 2018
Aye defiantly Kennedy looked very bright he’ll be massive this season for us such a shame really coz we are never ever going to sign him on a perm #NUFC
— ⚽ The East Stand ⚽ (@CraigMorrison84) 12 August 2018
What is @gedbrand10 at Sky smoking – his player rating for Kenedy only a 5? Must of been at a different match #nufc #sky
— Bob Stonehouse (@cuberubics59) 12 August 2018
Keep it quiet but I’m amazed Kenedy isn’t playing for one of Europe’s elite clubs…savour him – he’s class#nufc
— Michael Gallon (@MichaelGallon) 11 August 2018
One supporter couldn’t help mention his poor touch after being put through one-on-one with Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris:
wish his first touch was as good …
— nEwCaStLe fOr LiFe (@77_SH_ER) 12 August 2018
I thought he had a good game, but I think there is more to come from him. At 22 years of age, the potential is clearly there and by the end of the season, I think we’ll have an even better player than we have now. It’s a shame that we didn’t manage to secure a purchase option on the Brazilian.