Joelinton hit back at his critics against Club Athletic on Wednesday night, and Dan Burn is delighted for him.
Newcastle United returned to winning ways with a 2-0 Champions League victory over Club Athletic at St. James’ Park.
Dan Burn got the first goal with a truly remarkable header before Joelinton nodded in a much simpler one of his own just after the break.
Eddie Howe’s side have climbed up to sixth in the Champions League table after the win, with half of the league phase now completed.
Newcastle were in need of a response after last weekend’s listless defeat to West Ham, with both goal-scorers coming under particular pressure ahead of the game.
Many had called for Burn and Joelinton to be dropped and the giant Geordie admitted afterwards that both of them were due a goal.
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Dan Burn says Joelinton was ‘due’ a goal after scoring in the Champions League
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Burn gave his assessment on the victory and admitted that both he and Joelinton had gone a bit too long without scoring.
“We needed to respond from Sunday and we are happy with the three points, nine points from four games played,” the defender said.
“I’ve been due one for a while and decided I was going to head it as far as I could. I had a lot of space and we have been working on that space around the back and probably 1 in 100 goes in, like the cup final one.
“The second goal helped settle us. I expected them to sit in a bit more and we stretched it a bit and I’m so happy for Big Joe, he was due one like me.
“We have three wins in a row and we have to win our home games, a bit unlucky against Barcelona, but we have some tough away games to come.”
Newcastle fans have been critical of Joelinton
Both Burn and Joelinton have been criticised for their poor performances in recent weeks, especially in the wake of West Ham.
While Burn’s occasional struggles at left-back are understandable, given he has been forced back out to the flank, Joelinton’s drop-off has been a bit more alarming.
The big Brazilian’s only goals before Wednesday night came against League One’s Bradford City and he’s missed a host of chances. While he’s been as robust as ever in the midfield, he hasn’t been offering enough in the attacking third.
However, his performance against Athletic was promising. Not only did he score, but he got forward well from midfield and had a fine finish disallowed for handball in the build-up.
Newcastle fans have been desperate to see Jacob Ramsey start ahead of Joelinton, but the wait may have to go on.
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