‘Gayle can solve goal problems’
FORMER Newcastle United and England midfielder Chris Waddle has suggested that the Magpies should turn to Dwight Gayle to solve their goal-scoring problems.
Steve Bruce’s side are the second-lowest scorers in the Premier League – one strike better than bottom club Watford – having only found the net six times in 10 league outings.
Big-money summer signing Joelinton has failed to live up the expectations, although it is early in his Magpies career.
The £40m acquisition has only one goal to his name so far, which came in August against Tottenham Hotspur.
Similarly, Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin, playing in advanced midfield roles behind Joelinton, are yet to get off the mark for the season this term.
However, Waddle believes the answer to Bruce’s striking problem could be answered with the inclusion of Gayle.
The former Crystal Palace striker scored 24 goals in 40 appearances on loan at West Bromwich Alibon last season as the Baggies ended the season in the Championship’s top six.
Having returned to St James’ Park in the summer, Gayle has only made one substitute appearance for Bruce’s side.
“Newcastle face an interesting game against Wolves, who have picked up of late and should be buzzing after their win at Manchester City,” Waddle told The Racing Post.
“It will be difficult for them after a Europa League away game - it’s a massive drain when you travel to play midweek because the games come so thick and fast.
“I expect the Magpies to sit back and try to soak the pressure up, but the big concern is at the other end - they’ve scored only five goals all season.
“They spent a lot of money on Miguel Almiron but he doesn’t look like scoring a goal and it’s not as if he came from a top league in Europe.
“He was playing in MLS and that has to be on a similar level to League One.
“Joelinton isn’t a number nine and Andy Carroll is still injured, so Dwight Gayle looks the solution for me. He went on loan to West Brom and this is an excellent chance for him to prove his worth.
“Something has to happen because, at this rate, they are going to struggle to avoid the drop.”