Joelinton delivers honest verdict on his first goal against West Ham

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Joelinton enjoyed a sensational return to the Newcastle United starting XI against West Ham, but he did not think his first goal was going to stand.

Eddie Howe recalled Joelinton to the side in place of Joe Willock, who limped off during the weekend win over Manchester United.

The Brazilian justified his selection, scoring a brace to help Newcastle secure an emphatic 5-1 win at the London Stadium. It takes his season tally to six, equalling his best ever campaign in a Toon shirt.

His first came in the 13th minute, as Fabian Schar played him through on goal. Joelinton found himself in acres of space, took the ball round Lukasz Fabianski and put it into the empty net. The offside flag immediately went up, and it looked like the correct decision.

However, VAR intervened to show that the 26-year-old was actually onside and the goal was given.

Joelinton thought he was offside for first goal

After the game, Joelinton spoke to NUFC TV. He was asked if he was confident that his first goal would be given.

“Not really, I thought it was offside,” he said.

“But then the guys on the bench said it was on and a goal! I tried to wait, and then thank you God, it was allowed, so I was very pleased to score again after a long time.”

Great composure from Newcastle’s former number nine

To the naked eye, it did look like Joelinton was an absolute mile offside. But he was right to score anyway, and fortunately VAR was on our side.

The Toon number seven showed great composure to round the keeper and score – something we have not seen much of during his Newcastle career.

Joelinton arrived as a faltering number nine who looked so uncomfortable in front of goal. Now he is a dominant midfielder, and is starting to chip in with more goals.

He took both goals brilliantly at the London Stadium, who scored his first brace since Norwich away last season.

The £40million man now just needs one goal for his best ever scoring season in a Toon shirt, and hopefully he gets it. Next up is Brentford, who Joelinton has a good record against.