No ordinary Joe against Villa - Jenas
Magpies’ judgement day is coming
JOELINTON had his best game in a Newcastle United shirt against Aston Villa.
That was the view of former United midfielder Jermaine Jenas who also believes that highlights the problem for the Magpies as he struggled to even threaten the opposition goal.
The 24-year-old has come under fire since his £40million club record move from Hoffenheim in the summer of 2019, scoring just three times in 60 Premier League appearances.
The Brazilian earned praise for some of his work in Friday’s 1-1 draw but the killer instinct in front of goal was still desperately lacking.
It is a dilemma many Newcastle fans have been wrestling with and TV pundit Jenas’ analysis will resonate with the frustrations of many of the Toon Army feel towards the former Rapid Vienna forward.
Jenas said: “I think there were times in the game where Newcastle played really well.
“Joelinton potentially had his best game in a Newcastle shirt but it all seemed to fall apart once Newcastle got into the 18-yard box.
“Even into the final third of the field, some of the decisionmaking at times was poor.
“Dwight Gayle and Ryan Fraser have to get into positions where they can score goals.
“Joelinton does not get his shot off in the first half.
“These are the situations Steve Bruce is talking about.
“We know Joelinton is not a true centre-forward and these situations explain that.
“Just shoot and anything can happen.
“It was a negative pass. In a weird way it was his best game in a Newcastle shirt.
“Joelinton gave Villa defender Tyrone Mings a torrid time but it does not really matter because he does not score goals.”
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