Inspired Joelinton instantly reminds Newcastle of his worth | Newcastle United

Newcastle conceded more shots than any other team on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. Their home game against Southampton should have been a piece of cake. However, their afternoon was made even more difficult by Fabian Schär’s first-half red card. Despite this, the Magpies managed to secure a 1-0 victory in a backs-to-the-wall performance.

Joelinton’s strike just before half-time made the difference at St James’ Park. The Brazilian kept his composure to fire past Alex McCarthy after the Saints keeper had carelessly passed the ball to Alexander Isak. The goal made the difference on home turf as Southampton huffed and puffed unsuccessfully for an equaliser. Eddie Howe’s difference-maker against the promoted side deserved the plaudits, not just for his goal but for his all-round performance.

The former Hoffenheim man made six clearances, one tackle and one interception in the clean-sheet-getting display, while drawing three fouls. He excelled without the ball, disrupting Southampton’s rhythm in the process, and drawing the necessary fouls to relieve the pressure on the defence. It was a display that supporters have come to expect from Joelinton.

Remarkably, Saturday’s game was Joelinton’s first home game since a 3-0 win over Fulham in December. Misfortune struck earlier this year when the striker-turned-midfielder suffered a thigh injury in Newcastle’s win over Sunderland and he was not seen in a Magpies shirt again until the final games of the season. It was no surprise that Newcastle missed his physical presence in the business end of the campaign, as they finished seventh and failed to secure a European finish.

Without Joelinton, there was a lack of energy in a key area of ​​the pitch, leaving an already beleaguered defensive line vulnerable. “I can’t say enough how much I missed him last season,” team-mate Bruno Guimarães said of his compatriot after Saturday’s success. A player of Joelinton’s ilk is beneficial for Guimarães, who makes the most of the space afforded him by the former’s high work ethic to help Newcastle push forward.

Although originally brought in as a striker from Hoffenheim, Joelinton’s intensity and tenacity made him an ideal fit for Howe’s favoured 4-3-3 formation, and neither player nor club have looked back since the role change. A hard-working midfield trio is key to the system’s success, and it was no surprise that performances dipped in Joelinton’s absence. Indeed, a return of 2.7 tackles per 90 minutes was the second-best by any Newcastle player in the Premier League last season, behind Lewis Hall (3.2).

With the added ability to propel his team forward when he has the ball – 1.2 successful dribbles per 90 minutes is a high figure for Howe’s team – the dynamism in midfield has been lacking. Howe and Newcastle supporters will be hoping that Joelinton can now stay fit for longer as the campaign progresses. Of course, his all-action approach means that the 28-year-old is prone to muscle injuries, but there’s no denying that midfield is far less effective in the absence of the Brazil international.

Saturday’s performance was one that Newcastle fans have become accustomed to in recent years and his availability is like – dare we say it – a new asset. The lack of European action should also work in the favour of both Newcastle and Joelinton as they look to claim a top four finish this season. They can prepare accordingly with one game a week, at least until the domestic cup competitions begin, and this reduces the risk of further muscle injuries as they pursue a return to the Champions League.

Premier League Team of the Week