OPINION
We all know that Newcastle United have struggled to put the ball in the back of the net this season, with their five goals scored from nine Premier League games the joint worst tally in the division.
Club record signing Joelinton has failed to really spark into life as of yet, while his fellow summer striking recruit Andy Carroll is expected to miss Sunday’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers due to a niggling injury.
The pressure will firmly be on the shoulders of Magpies attacker Dwight Gayle at St James’ Park, then, with the Daily Mail reporting on Friday that head coach Steve Bruce is ready to call on the 29-year-old to solve his team’s goalscoring problems. He’s played just five minutes of action this season, but is suddenly a key man for the Toon.
While his Premier League record might not indicate it, Gayle could very well be the man to end Newcastle’s woes. He is a natural goalscorer and is coming into this game on the back of one of the finest seasons of his career.
The Englishman was spectacular on loan at West Bromwich Albion last time out. Yes, it was at a level below in the Championship, but the way in which he excelled suggests that he can score goals more regularly in the Premier League now than he has been able to do in the past.
The statistics from last term tell you all you need to know about his goalscoring potential. As per WhoScored.com, Gayle scored 24 times and bagged two assists, as well as averaging 2.4 shots, 0.8 key passes and 0.4 dribbles per game. His average WhoScored rating per outing of 7.11 was exceptional.
Joelinton isn’t doing it in front of goal, we can all see that, while Carroll is likely out against Wolves. It’s time, then, for Bruce to put his faith in Gayle and see if he can fire the Magpies out of trouble.
