Joelinton goes from £40m flop to cult hero

NEWCASTLE fans sang Joelinton’s name before, during and after their 3-0 victory over Norwich. The Brazilian, who scored twice on his 100th Premier League appearance, has gone from scapegoat to cult hero in the space of six months. A club-record signing, he was seen as a £40million flop by the Toon faithful. But he is a man transformed under Eddie Howe, who has utilised the forward in a deeper midfield role. It was a man-of-thematch performance against Manchester United in February which first caught the eye and prompted Sky Sports reporter Patrick Davidson to say, ‘I didn’t realise you were that good’ in his post-match interview. Most Newcastle fans did not know either. But his team-mates did, and so did Howe. ‘I’m really pleased for Joe, 100th appearance, and you saw the scenes at the end there,’ said the Newcastle boss. ‘It’s a brilliant moment for him, especially knowing the journey that he’s had at the club.’ The 25-year-old has just 10 goals in his 100 top-flight appearances but his defensive contribution has been pivotal in Newcastle’s turnaround since the start of the year. Only Joelinton and Declan Rice have over 30 contributions in defensive midfield statistics this season — which includes tackles, interceptions, clearances and aerial duels. On Saturday, however, he was back in the attack, as Chris Wood and Miguel Almiron were rested, and he delivered two smart finishes to put Newcastle 2-0 up before Bruno Guimaraes added a third. ‘I think Joe can play anywhere in those front positions and obviously as an attacking midfielder as well,’ Howe added. ‘It’s great to have players like that.’ Guimaraes, who has also been instrumental to Newcastle’s rise up the table, scored his fourth goal of the season, chipping Norwich keeper Tim Krul. ‘They’re a joy to work with,’ Howe said of the Brazilian duo. ‘They have that inner strength, they’re great people and have become integral to the squad. Long may that continue.’ NORWICH (4-2-3-1): Krul 5; Byram 5, Hanley 6, Zimmerman 5 (Aarons 58min, 6), Giannoulis 6; Normann 6 (Rowe 58, 6), McLean 5; Lees-Melou 6, Dowell 6, Rashica 6 (Tzolis 75, 6); Pukki 6.5. Booked: None. Manager: Dean Smith 5. NEWCASTLE (4-3-3): Dubravka 7; Krafth 7, Lascelles 6.5, Burn 7, Targett 7; Longstaff 6.5, GUIMARAES 8 (Gayle 87), Willock 6.5; Murphy 7 (Ritchie 74, 6), Saint-Maximin 6.5, Joelinton 7.5 (Almiron 67, 6). Scorers: Joelinton 35, 41, Guimaraes 49. Booked: Guimaraes, Saint-Maximin. Manager: Eddie Howe 7. Referee: Chris Kavanagh 7. Attendance: 26,910.