Joelinton was a goal away from a man of the match performance against Aston Villa.
The Newcastle striker started for the fourth game in a row on the right of the attack, and put it one of his more impressive 90 minutes.
He caused countless problems for the Aston Villa backline, giving the usually reliable Tyrone Mings a tough evening at St James’ Park.
Joelinton held the ball up well. He ran the channels and got us up the pitch. He was even winning his flick ons.
But when it came to cutting edge in the penalty area, he was as blunt as a rusty spoon.
In the first half he had an opening after outmuscling Mings, but was denied by a fantastic block by Ezri Konsa. But even there, he didn’t look like a man ready to find the back of the net.
His big chance came in the second half. The Brazilian picked up a wonderful position, and was played in by Joe Willock.
His touch was good. He burst into the box. All he had to do was take a shot and hopefully find the back of the net.
But instead, he tried to pull it back and find a teammate. His pass was intercepted, and a golden chance went begging.
In the end, Jamaal Lascelles bailed the Magpies out to salvage a point.
If Joelinton played like that every week, there wouldn’t be as many complaints. He was certainly a nuisance.
But yet again, his lack of killer instinct in the penalty area cost us.
It happened against West Brom, and it happened again against Aston Villa.
Despite a positive performance, fans are furious at Joelinton’s unwillingness to take the shot on in the 73rd minute.
Joelinton, why didn’t you shoot?!
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