Newcastle United got back to winning ways on Saturday.
Eddie Howe’s side blew off the cobwebs following two defeats on the spin to put Chelsea to the sword at St James’ Park.
It was a very satisfying win for Newcastle, not least as the injury crisis refuses to subside. Though Alexander Isak is back in action, Joe Willock has suffered a fresh setback and Howe was forced into naming three goalkeepers on the bench at St James’ Park, such is the amount of absentees.
The second-half would have also been rather sweet for Joelinton. The Brazilian, somehow, missed a glorious chance while the game was still 1-1 that left Alan Shearer shocked but ultimately bagged the third after Thiago Silva’s mistake.
Indeed, it was such an eventful afternoon that a former Newcastle transfer target saw fit to respond to Joelinton.
Joelinton: Joao Pedro responds to Newcastle star’s post
After the game, Newcastle’s No.7 took to Instagram to post a collage of himself in action, led by an image of him celebrating his goal.
Former Toon target Joao Pedro – who recently admitted he was disappointed a move from Watford to St James’ Park fell through before he joined Brighton – responded with the words “Bro Jo Jo.”
Joelinton: Newcastle star summed up
Though excelling as a central midfielder, it is surely not unreasonable to expect a £40m international footballer to score the headed chance he somehow put wide on Saturday.
Having also missed a sitter against Borussia Dortmund, the 27-year-old is not always convincing in the box.
Still, Joelinton excels in other areas. Hailed for his worth ethic, it was he who applied the pressure to force the usually so composed Silva into making a mistake. Missing a glorious chance but having the energy to pounce on a mistake perhaps sums the Brazil international up best.
As per FBREF data, no one won more tackles for Newcastle on Saturday than Joelinton (4). Only Tino Livramento won more interceptions (3 to 1). He is an absolute warrior in the middle of the park.
Glaring miss aside, Pedro was right to have been impressed by his compatriot.
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