OPINION
After smashing a club-record fee to sign Joelinton, Newcastle United would have been expecting much more from their new striker nearly three months into the new season.
Premier League rivals West Ham United did exactly the same when bringing in Sebastien Haller, and the Frenchman has hit the ground running, already scoring four goals.
The Magpies’ man, Joelinton, only has the one goal to his name so far, and although it was an important strike to secure all three points away against Tottenham, the Brazilian must do more.
It hasn’t been straightforward in the final third for Newcastle, who currently have the worst attack in the Premier League scoring only five goals in their nine games.
Steve Bruce has acknowledged his side’s poor record in front of goal and has admitted that Joelinton needs to start chipping in with more goals sooner rather than later.
“If you are going to wear the number 9 shirt he’s got to chip in with a few goals,” he told the Chronicle.
“He can only improve.”
Bruce is spot on, as a striker, you can not expect to keep your spot in the starting line up if you are not finding the back of the net, and Joelinton could be nearing the last chance saloon at St James’ Park.
For the Magpies’ boss to suggest that his star man can only get better does suggest that it can’t really get any worst for the 23-year-old, who needs a real confidence boost going into the game against Wolves.
With both Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle coming off the bench in the 1-0 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Joelinton will be looking over his shoulder knowing there is pressure to start scoring as soon as possible.
Joelinton will not be filled with confidence reading his manager’s comments, but he will know that he is nearing the last chance saloon should he not score against Wolves on Sunday.
