OPINION
In some respects, you have to feel sorry for Joelinton. The Brazilian striker has struggled to have the impact that was initially expected of him since arriving at Newcastle United for a club record fee over the summer, and he endured a typically miserable first half against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon. Initially, he looked sluggish to react to a potential opportunity to score from the rebound of a Jetro Willems shot early on, and then he proceeded to look fairly anonymous from that point onwards. And supporters are beginning to run out of patience. So far this term he has just one goal and one assist in 11 appearances, and has averaged just 1.5 shots, one key pass, and one successful dribble per game, as per Whoscored. Undeniably, he has higher gears to move into yet, but based on his showing in the opening 45 against the Cherries, it could be a while before he reaches that level. For a club that needs instant results if it is to ensure it’s Premier League status sooner rather than later, that’s simply not good enough. With Dwight Gayle back to full fitness and Andy Carroll waiting in the wings, how much longer will Bruce persevere with the South American?
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