During Newcastle United’s 4-0 humbling at the hands of Arsenal on Sunday, many Magpies supporters took to social media and lambasted the underwhelming second-half performance in particular – but one of the men who managed to earn plaudits was none other than misfiring striker Joelinton.
The Brazilian, who has been without a Premier League goal since last August during the Toon Army’s 1-0 victory away to Spurs, managed to impress despite failing to get on the score sheet yet again – amassing a 7.3 SofaScore rating overall, with only winger Allan Saint-Maximin gaining a higher score (7.4).
Joelinton also won seven out of his eight ground duels over 90 minutes at the Emirates Stadium, with these numbers potentially highlighting his work rate despite Newcastle being on the back foot for the majority of the contest. Goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette sealed an afternoon to forget for Steve Bruce’s side, but if Joelinton’s performance is anything to go by, there could be positives from an otherwise humbling occasion.
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Here’s how supporters lauded the striker on Twitter.
Joelinton was on a mission to be everywhere what a guy, ASM's runs are immense to watch.
— Matthew (@WorAyoze) February 16, 2020
Agreed. Hes actually trying.
— Andrew Lowe (@Andyloweuk) February 16, 2020
Looking like a footballer. Great to see.
— D Millet (@dm3pol) February 16, 2020
Agreed.. Fede and Lazaro too
— Charles (@Chearlys18) February 16, 2020
Agreed. Lazaro impressing too. Almiron trying as usual but he’s given the ball away more than anyone else. We need to do more with possession.
— Graham Megennis 🏳️🌈🇪🇺 (@GrahamMegennis) February 16, 2020
Because he worked hard. Simple as that. #NUFC
— sportbilly2014 (@sportbilly2014) February 16, 2020
How did you rate Joelinton’s first half performance against Arsenal? Join the discussion by commenting below…
