Yoshinori Muto scored the equaliser at the Gallowgate End in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Leicester, which the visitors went on to win on penalties.
It was not a spectacular goal, but no one cared. He was in the right place, at the right time, as all good strikers manage to be, and he found the net, and that is all that counts.
The Japanese star has not had much of an opportunity in the first team since making the move to Tyneside, with this week’s cup tie being only his fifth start for the Magpies.
He certainly put a full shift in, chasing tirelessly in a lone striker role which, in fairness, is not a style to suit him.
He worked for the full 90 minutes, and deserved his goal – his first one since he scored at Old Trafford last season. He then stepped up to score his penalty emphatically in the shootout.
Should Newcastle turn to Yoshinori Muto for Watford clash?
If Steve Bruce was feeling brave for the the Watford game on Saturday, particularly given the amount of injuries Newcastle currently have, he could do worse than play Muto alongside Joelinton.
He would be a great foil for the Brazilian forward, who would have a willing partner to get onto the end of his flick-ons and lay-offs.
It would give Newcastle a more potent attacking threat, and give Miguel Almiron – if fit – more licence to play in a free role behind the twin strike-force.
It is a move that would not disappoint some Toon fans after Wednesday’s game, which has seen them call for Muto to get more of a chance.
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