OPINION
Newcastle have only managed to score once this season and it is clear to see why.
They have struggled to create many chances, and when they have, they haven’t been efficient, to say the least.
Joelinton and Miguel Almiron are clearly Steve Bruce’s preferred partnership upfront, but the midfield three behind them are playing way too deep in fixtures – leaving the Magpies’ wing-backs to be forced to push further forward and attempt to create chances.
As well as that, injuries to Dwight Gayle, Andy Carroll, and Allan Saint-Maximin meant that the only attacking option on the bench in the defeat to Norwich was Yoshinori Muto.
The Japanese international failed to make much of an impact last season – scoring once in 17 appearances and only averaging 0.4 shots per game, the worst he has ever averaged in his career [Source: WhoScored].
Despite his poor impact under Rafael Benitez, Bruce confirmed to the Chronicle earlier in the season that the 27-year-old had a big part to play in his squad this season.
Muto got his chance against Norwich off the bench on Saturday in the final 23 minutes but failed to grasp it. The forward only touched the ball nine times and failed to register a shot or complete a single dribble according to WhoScored.
The former Mainz striker blamed his performance on Bruce tactics after the game to the Chronicle, claiming he was isolated in the system deployed by Newcastle.
The Magpies’ man can have no complaints as fellow forwards Almiron and Joelinton have kept quiet and gone about their business with a determination to try and create chances in two losing causes.
Muto is doing himself no favours in his pursuit of more game time at St James’ Park, surely harming his chances of forcing himself into the starting 11 in the coming weeks.
