Howe working wonders with energised Joe
IT was the ultimate double accolade from those who know in our moment of utter relief.
And Newcastle were left feeling done up to the nines!
I was sitting next to No.9 legend Malcolm Macdonald when Callum Wilson pirouetted and lashed home what turned out to be Newcastle’s first winner this season.
“Lethal, a difficult attempt well executed. Top drawer,” enthused SuperMac, who knows much about rifling spectacular victory-clinchers at St James’ Park in the famed blackand-white jersey.
Minutes later another absolute legend Alan Shearer tweeted “great finish” and so it was.
Two England international No.9s hailing another who has been deemed good enough to represent his country.
The strike lit up what was predictably a dour grind of a match but every Geordie cared not a jot as United recorded their first league victory at the 15th attempt to breathe a little life and hope into what has been a despairing season and still remains a mighty uphill battle.
Yes, it was heaven sent by a Pope (first name Nick) but it still took a quality finish to turn it into a goal.
The Burnley goalkeeper dropped a cross when falling over an opponent but Wilson, running away from the target, still had an awful lot to do. In a blur, he swivelled and lashed a right footer that flew over the towering Chris Wood on the line to hit the back of the net high up.
VAR checked to make certain there was no foul on the keeper but really it was a forlorn hope for Burnley.
Wilson now has six goals from 11 appearances. Last season it was 12 from 26 games (23 starts). Keep him fit Eddie or it’s curtains for certain.
If two Newcastle No.9 heroes paid fulsome tribute to the club’s current centre-forward then I must also pay lip service to an old occupier of an iconic shirt who has been rejuvenated since losing both it and the position it demands you play.
I have been an outspoken critic of Joelinton, the centre- forward whose goalscoring record as a No.9 must have embarrassed both SuperMac and Big
Al. It worked out at a goal every 13 games!
However, a month ago – on November 9 to be precise – I was moved to write: “There is a suspicion that a player is buried somewhere inside the failed line-leader which leads to a tantalising thought that Joelinton could benefit from a complete change of position. “He is not a natural finisher, he doesn’t like living life in the penalty area, and is therefore not an out and out attacker so why not try him as, say, a central midfielder.
“Big Joe has a decent touch, he is big to block off attacks in the air, he is mobile, and he will better read the game played in front of him.
“It is certainly one of many things for new boss Eddie Howe to contemplate as he and his coaches assess each and every player.”
Such a suggestion was met in equal measure by intrigue and ridicule from fans but Eddie Howe has done just that, moving him back from front-line duty and what we are currently witnessing is a player who has risen from mediocrity to punch much closer to his weight.
Some of his defensive work in the air was a revelation and his physicality is a significant plus to the cause. Joelinton is much more equipped to this role than his old No.9 one.
That his new boss believes in him has obviously inspired him but just as importantly perhaps the Brazilian is beginning to believe in himself.
This was a double celebration – first victory and first clean sheet.
Skipper Jamaal Lascelles returned to lead his back line to a shut-out, though we had to endure an agonising split-second in the 81st minute when both milestones seemed threatened as sub Jay Rodriguez netted but he was rightly ruled offside.
If Federico Fernandez hardly deserved to be left out of the starting line-up, this was in fact the perfect match for Lascelles. The captain relishes a physical battle, which is what Burnley are all about whereas when there is crafty movement off him and down the sides, which is what he will face against both Liverpool and
Manchester City very soon, then he is much less comfortable.
Such is the confusing state of affairs at the bottom of the Premier League that despite requiring 15 attempts to claim their first win Newcastle found themselves only three points from safety by the time Saturday night was out.
However before we all go release crazy – and don’t a magnificently supportive crowd yearn to do just that – let us remember what is yet in store. The considerable challenge of Leicester, Liverpool, Man City and Man U plus the knowledge that no side has ever stayed up after failing to win any of their opening 14 games. This remains an awesome ask with the odds against.
Howe has challenged his side to “change history” and that is what must happen. He did it at Bournemouth, keeping them in the Football League despite a whopping 17-point deficit which had dumped them in the relegation mire. That was a miracle on a minor stage. Now he needs one at the London Palladium!
That his new boss believes in him has obviously inspired him but just as importantly perhaps the Brazilian is starting to believe in himself