The Chronicle's Lee Ryder has slammed the display of Joelinton for Newcastle United despite their win over Sheffield United in the Premier League on Wednesday evening.
The Lowdown: Willock rescues Newcastle again
Joe Willock scored yet another goal for Steve Bruce's team as they ran out 1-0 winners at St. James' Park against the relegated Blades, and crucially in front of some members of the Toon Army.
It was the first round of fixtures in the top flight in which fans were allowed back into all grounds in the 2020/21 term, with the second set to come in on the final day on Sunday afternoon.
The Latest: Ryder slams Joelinton
While there were some very good performances for the Tyneside club on Wednesday, Ryder was not impressed with Joelinton, who only lasted the first half as he was taken off at the beginning of the second.
Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, the Magpies journalist claimed that the striker 'wasted a couple of chances' in what was a 'disappointing night' for him, giving him a measly 6/10 overall rating, the joint-lowest out of any Magpies player to have started the match.
The Verdict: Not Joelinton's best game
Joelinton did not have his best game for NUFC, as he failed to record a single shot on target or key pass, and achieved a mere 75% pass accuracy, the lowest out of any of his teammates to have started (Sofascore), so Ryder's criticism is more than justified.
The Brazilian also lost possession of the ball on four separate occasions, and only managed 20 touches in total (Sofascore), showing how little impact he had before being taken off. For some context, goalkeeper Martin Dubravka managed 38 touches.
Nonetheless, he will want to improve on this display going into the new campaign, especially once Callum Wilson comes back to full fitness, putting his starting place under threat.