Inspired Joelinton gives Newcastle an immediate reminder of his value

Newcastle conceded more shots than any other team on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. Their home game against Southampton was supposed to be a walk in the park. However, their afternoon was made all the more difficult owing to Fabian Schär’s first half red card. Nevertheless, the Magpies ground out a 1-0 win in a backs-to-the-wall performance.

Joelinton’s strike on the stroke of half-time proved the difference at St James’ Park. The Brazilian remained composed to tuck past Alex McCarthy after the Saints goalkeeper had carelessly passed the ball to Alexander Isak. The goal proved the difference on home turf as Southampton huffed and puffed without success for an equaliser. Eddie Howe’s difference-maker against the promoted side deserved the accolades, not only for his goal but for his all-round performance to boot.

The former Hoffenheim man made six clearances, one tackle and one interception in the clean-sheet attaining display, while drawing three fouls in the process. He excelled off the ball, disrupting Southampton’s rhythm in the process, and drew the necessary fouls to ease the pressure on the defence. It was a display supporters have come to expect from Joelinton.

Remarkably Saturday’s match marked Joelinton’s first home start since a 3-0 win over Fulham back in December. Misfortune struck earlier this year when the forward turned midfielder sustained a thigh injury in Newcastle’s victory over Sunderland and he wasn’t seen again in a Magpies shirt until the final knockings of the season. Unsurprisingly, Newcastle missed his physical presence in the business end of the campaign as they finished seventh, failing to secure a European finish.

Without Joelinton, there was a lack of energy in a key area of the pitch that left an already-beleaguered backline exposed. “I cannot say enough how much I missed him last season,” teammate Bruno Guimarães said of his compatriot after Saturday’s success. A player of Joelinton’s ilk benefits Guimarães, who maximises the space afforded to him by the former’s high work rate to help drive Newcastle up the pitch.

Joelinton, seen here in 2021, was moved from striker to central midfielder by Eddie Howe.

While he initially joined as a striker from Hoffenheim, Joelinton’s intensity and tenacity meant he was an ideal fit in Howe’s favoured 4-3-3 setup, and neither player nor club have looked back since a change in role. A hard-working midfield trio is key to the success of the system and it was no surprise to see a dip in performances with Joelinton absent. Indeed, a return of 2.7 tackles per 90 minutes was second only to Lewis Hall (3.2) of all Newcastle players in the Premier League last season.

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With the added ability to drive his side forward when on the ball – 1.2 successful dribbles per 90 ranked highly for Howe’s side – the dynamism in the middle of the park was found wanting. Howe and the Newcastle supporters must hoping Joelinton can now remain fit for longer periods over the course of the campaign. Of course his all-action approach means the 28-year-old is susceptible to muscle injuries but there’s no denying the midfield is far less effective when the Brazil international is absent.

The performance on Saturday was one Newcastle fans have become accustomed to in recent years and his availability once more is like – dare we say it – a new signing. The lack of European action should also work in both Newcastle’s and Joelinton’s favour as they look to claim a top-four finish this season. They are able to prepare accordingly for one game per week, at least until domestic cup competitions kick off, and this reduces the risk of further muscle injuries as they seek a return to the Champions League.