With the game against Burnley finely poised but Newcastle in need of a goal, Steve Bruce made the natural decision to bring on Dwight Gayle, but he didn’t make the desired impact.
Off the bench
It’s not the first time the forward has flattered to deceive in a Newcastle shirt, and though the decision to loan him out last term may have raised eyebrows, we are now beginning to realise why he wasn’t favoured under the previous manager.
He has scored goals throughout his career, netting 24 last term, but the Premier League does appear to be a step too much for him, and he showcased just why against the Clarets on Saturday.
In fact, he has struggled in a number of cameo appearances since his return from injury – making only four touches in 20 minutes against Aston Villa for example – but at Turf Moor he even fell below his own low standards this term.
With not much time left on the clock Joelinton did superbly to win the ball on the right and played in a perfect low cross for Gayle to tap in, yet the striker somehow fired wide from inside the six-yard box when it looked easier to score.
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Time running out
Newcastle have struggled in front of goal this term with just 17 goals in 17 league games, and if they are to avoid narrow defeats like the one against Burnley they will need a proper goalscorer in the squad.
Joelinton and Andy Carroll have mustered just one league goal between them and therefore they need greater competition than Gayle, who is proving unreliable from the bench, and can’t be trusted to start.
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The 29-year-old doesn’t really fit the style Bruce has implemented. He is not a target-man who can bring teammates into play and instead relies on the creativity of his teammates, which often is not forthcoming in this Magpies team.
As a result, Bruce must think about moving him on in January. He is picking up £40,000 a week for doing very little and there is no shortage of interest in him from clubs who would be happy to pay a hefty fee.
That money could be reinvested in an attacker which would improve Newcastle’s all-round play as well as their goal threat, and help to solve a problem that has been plaguing the Magpies’ boss since he arrived in the north-east.
Meanwhile, another striker has been earning the ire of supporters following a dismal display, which underlines the weakness in that area of the squad.