Is this the end of the road for Joelinton? According to some fans, yes.
The Brazilian played the full game against Rochdale, with his mistake eventually leading to the League One side’s equaliser.
The record signing had chances to end his barren run in front of goal. He inexplicably missed the target early on, before being denied brilliantly by the Rochdale stopper.
But as the game wore on, his body language worsened. For £40 million, you’d expect a lot more. Now I know it’s not like he chose the transfer fee, but he’s got to start doing something to justify it. And if he can’t do it against a League One side, what hope does he have in the Premier League?
Steve Bruce has stood by Joelinton in recent weeks, with the striker only dropping to the bench for the 2-0 win against Sheffield United. Other than that, he’s started every game.
But for a lot of fans, he needs to be taken out of the team – for his own sake.
No defence for Joelinton
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
