Newcastle United’s defeat last Saturday to Brighton and Hove Albion did little to temper the more vociferous amongst the fanbase as although the vast majority of fans at St James’ Park remain strongly behind manager Rafa Benitez and the squad, frustrations will ultimately out and social media is a prime place for it in today’s modern world.
With a whopping 27 chances created across the 90 minutes but only six efforts testing the visiting goalkeeper as they took a 1-0 victory over us, our attackers on the day were a prime target for fans’ disappointment following the game.
Although only being a substitute on the day having replaced Yoshinori Muto in the 74th minute, Joselu didn’t impress during his time on the pitch and whether you consider it unfair or not given the circumstances of the game, having come in from Stoke City over the summer not having that great a goalscoring record, his early goals for us have now dried up and it doesn’t look like the 28-year-old’s form will turn any time soon.
Whilst Rafa Benitez was the topic of conversation given his own decisions on the day, Joselu was dragged in a prime example of his own errors.
To be honest it is looking like he wants to be sacked at this stage. Weird subs or none. When we need a goal bring on joselu ? Id rather have shelvey up front then him
— Brian NUFC (@RoyalToon1) October 20, 2018
I’d take him over Joselu at this point tbh https://t.co/NNvVK4gqVd
— Ryan ???????? (@YedlinNUFC) October 20, 2018
Put somebody on who's isn't Atsu or Joselu.
— Bobby Nend (@BobbyNend) October 20, 2018
Agreed . Joselu /Perez and Rondon simply going to get us relegated
— Rob Turnbull (@ITINTERACT2) October 20, 2018
And Rafa did make some strange decisions today but you’re never gonna win when Joselu is hitting the corner flag from 20 yards and Perez I think it was can’t head the ball down.
— Harry Nufc (@Harry_Nufc5) October 20, 2018
I thought at 5m Joselu would be a world beater….Trevor Francis won the European cup and he only cost them 1m.
— JMO (@JMO79) October 20, 2018
Perez is the worst . He's absolute shocking , championship level at very best . From Shearer & Ferdinand up front to Perez & Joselu, The Ashley era in a oner !
— Frank Drebin (@FrankDr42855441) October 20, 2018
Rafa needs to share the blame. He may have a shocking group of players but he has lost his touch. Joselu and Pérez wouldn’t get in a pub team #NUFC
— Mark (@markjoannejlb) October 20, 2018
We need Rafa to find his touch and quickly, but he can’t be happy with the makeup of the squad and short of turning to youngsters his hands remain tied. That said, it’s no excuse for players not making more of the efforts that fall their way but whatever fans think of the individual talents of the squad, confidence can hardly be great and that always carries its own cost when it comes to performances.