Newcastle United played their first game since the coronavirus pandemic halted English football in March as they ran out 3-2 winners in a friendly against Championship side Middlesbrough thanks to goals from Miguel Almiron, Yoshinori Muto and Joelinton, with Steve Bruce watching on.
As per the Tyneside club’s official Twitter page, George Saville and Britt Assombalonga had given ‘Boro a two-goal cushion before Muto was the first to strike for the Magpies to signal the start of a rather impressive comeback.
🇯🇵 George Saville and Britt Assombalonga gave @Boro a two-goal advantage at the break in today's behind-closed-doors friendly, before @yoshimuto18 began the United comeback. @fun88eng #NUFC pic.twitter.com/jUmjrw4v43
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) June 9, 2020
Almiron was next to finish as he beat the offside trap to level the proceedings in the friendly match that was played behind closed doors.
https://twitter.com/NUFC/status/1270340338788511744
Finally, it was Joelinton of all people who took his goal well with a fine piece of skill and the finish to go with it to give his team the win as his coach looked on.
https://twitter.com/NUFC/status/1270342843173928960
This would have surely pleased both the player and his boss given the relatively tough time Joelinton has had so far at his new side in his debut season. The 23-year old has only scored three goals and made just four assists in 34 appearances in all competitions in the 2019/20 campaign, according to Transfermarkt.
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After arriving from German club Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga for £39.6m in last summer’s transfer window, perhaps more should be expected of Joelinton to deliver. However, his fine goal, all be it in a friendly game, might give the Brazilian some much-needed confidence before the Premier League resumes later this month.
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The Toon host Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United at St. James’ Park on Sunday 21 June at 2pm in their first match after the restart and Joelinton will hope to produce when it really matters.
Geordies, does Joelinton need more time to prove himself? Comment below with your views!
