A rather lucky escape for Lingard
JESSE Lingard has been ‘phenomenal’ since joining West Ham in the January window and the winger’s new-found form is another tip to just how bad things are at Newcastle United.
The Magpies had sounded out Lingard as a January arrival – hoping that Steve Bruce’s connections at Manchester United may help in any deal – but the 28-year-old chose the Hammers and hasn’t looked back since.
Five goals in seven games has put Lingard back into the England frame, earning a call-up for this fortnight’s international clashes – and his rejection of a move to the Magpies has not gone unnoticed as a case of what may have been.
As Lingard completed his move to West Ham – signing at the end of the window – the Magpies were on a run of five consecutive defeats as part of the nine-game winless run whereas West Ham were on a run of six unbeaten and four victories on the trot.
Newcastle are currently two points off the relegation zone in comparison to the Hammers who are fifth, two points from a Champions League spot.
It’s not hard to figure out why Lingard’s move to the capital.
Former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam shared his view on Lingard, speaking to BBC5 Live: “Lingard is a player I always liked.
“I think he’s a clever footballer. He’s very dynamic. He can find space and score good goals.
“Now, it looks like he’s in a clear mind. He knows what he wants. He’s hungry. But the only thing that has stopped him has been Bruno Fernandes. The stats Fernandes has produced since he came through the doors has been phenomenal.
“He (Lingard) has joined a team that was playing well at the time.
“Can you imagine, I saw him linked with a Newcastle and a Brighton, things like that, who are down the bottom of the league.
“What would his confidence be like now (if he joined them)? But now he’s gone into a side that are winning the majority of their games and are in the top half and it’s taken his game to another level.”