It was a tough day yesterday for Newcastle – and it seems that Steve Bruce’s patience is beginning to wear thin with Joelinton.
With Arsenal thumping United 4-0 at the Emirates on Sunday, it was yet another game where a striker for the club couldn’t get on the scoresheet.
So far this campaign, Joelinton’s goal against Tottenham back in August is the only goal scored by a striker in the entire Premier League season for the club, frustrating the fans and manager alike.
After the match, it was clear Bruce’s frustration came with the Brazillian for not getting into the box enough and for being too selfless.
He told the Chronicle: “Joelinton has got to learn and improve. He has to be in the box more often.
“We have to keep reminding him to get in the box and be more selfish. Strikers are judged on goals.
“He played well, led the line well but he’s got one goal all season in Premier League.”
After making his record-breaking £40m move to the Premier League, things haven’t quite gone as they would have hoped. Just one goal this season has led to fans venting their fury at the striker, including a collection singing “you’re not fit to wear the shirt” to him when they played Rochdale last month.
Will Joelinton ever live up to his £40m price tag?
Yes
No
No other striker has scored a goal this season for the club, nor has any winger weighed in with a decent amount – meaning that the onus cannot completely be on Joelinton if he simply isn’t getting the service or chances.
Yesterday, the attacker had another frustrating day at the office.
Physically, he looked to have had a top game. Eight aerials won was better than any player in the match (WhoScored), but in front of goal was where he was lacking.
He had two shots in the match which both failed to threaten the goalkeeper, made just one key pass in the game and SofaScore also states that he missed a key chance – which doesn’t really show enough of a return from your centre forward.
Bruce has publically backed his forward for most of the season, perhaps he is trying a new method to get some more out of him.