Eddie Howe admits that Newcastle United missed Joelinton badly during his two-match suspension - despite still winning without him.
Anybody in doubt of Joelinton's importance need only note the X-factor that he brought to the side in the 5-1 battering of West Ham at the London Stadium. His rock solid presence on the field and bustling runs were on show against the relegation threatened Hammers.
Speaking after his two goal haul in London, Howe said: “I’m really pleased for Joey (Joelinton) because he had a suspension, and we missed him. It’s been a long time, or at least it feels like a long time since he’s played.
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"But again, it’s credit to his professionalism. Since that absence, he’s come in and he’s impacted the game."
Joelinton brilliantly kept his nerve to round the keeper and stay just onside to double the lead against West Ham. Then his second goal came as a result of good trickery to get into the box and blast home.
Looking back on the two goals, Howe said: "The first goal was great to see because it was a run from deep. He probably thought he might have been offside, but he tucked it away really well.
"The second goal was a great finish from a really difficult angle. I think I said earlier in the week, goals is a part of the game where I think our midfielders or wingers, whichever position they’re playing, they have to score. So, it was great to see him do that"
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