OPINION
There is no hiding the fact that Newcastle United are struggling in the final third.
Steve Bruce has almost tried every possible combination at St James’ Park this season, with both Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll being given chances off the bench in games.
The Magpies have one of the worst attacking records in the Premier League so far and have failed to score more than one goal in a single game so far, as Bruce persists with starting Joelinton and Miguel Almiron.
The South American duo definitely show glimpses of promise on and off the ball but have failed to find the back of the net on a consistent basis.
You know there is a problem in the North East when Newcastle are linked with a move for former striker Papiss Cisse, who at 34-years-old is currently the top-scorer in the Turkish league [teamTALK].
Cisse is definitely not the answer to their problems, and Newcastle must not be tempted despite the Senegalese international’s links with the club.
One striker that hasn’t been mentioned as of yet is Yoshinori Muto, who has made little to no impact at the club in front of goal.
The Japanese international is simply not good enough, and that is highlighted by the fact that the Magpies continue to be linked with other strikers, and more clearly the fact that he still isn’t given any opportunities despite the struggle in the final third.
Muto has yet to complete a single key pass this season according to WhoScored and has only averaged 0.2 shots on goal. Joelinton is considered a striker who is struggling in the final third and has still averaged 1.5 shots per outing – almost eight more shots when utilised by Bruce.
The £54,000-a-week striker [Spotrac] has only completed 102 minutes of football this season and is not proving his worth despite being the club’s second-highest earner.
Newcastle must not be afraid to get rid of the Muto in the January transfer window this season, as it is becoming clearer by the day that he is not good enough to make a positive impact in the Premier League.
