In the world of modern football, the spotlight often shines brightest on the goal scorers. The players who provide the moments of magic that decide tight matches are the ones who usually grab the headlines and dominate the post-match discussions.
For Newcastle United, in their important 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, those players were undoubtedly Bruno Guimaraes, with a stunning long-range opener, and Nick Woltemade, with a coolly dispatched penalty.
These were the decisive actions that secured three vital points, lifting the team away from the early-season anxiety near the bottom of the table.
However, to focus solely on the goals would be to miss the real story of this match. Football is a team sport built on foundations, and for every moment of attacking flair, there is a mountain of unglamorous, hard work that makes it possible.
In this game, that foundation was laid by a player whose contribution will not make many highlight reels, but without whom the victory would not have been possible: Joelinton.
The first half at St. James’ Park was a tense, scrappy affair. Nottingham Forest had come to frustrate, and Newcastle, perhaps feeling the pressure from their slow start to the season, were struggling to find their usual flowing rhythm.
The game was crying out for someone to grab it by the scruff of the neck, to inject some energy and fight into the midfield battle. That someone was Joelinton.
From the first whistle, the Brazilian midfielder was a whirlwind of activity. In a half with few clear chances, it was Joelinton who registered Newcastle’s first two shots on target, forcing saves from the Forest goalkeeper.
But his impact went far beyond just shooting. He was a physical, disruptive force in the center of the park. He threw himself into tackles, engaged in countless tussles, and used his powerful frame to unsettle Forest’s players every time they tried to build an attack.
What makes his performance so remarkable is that this was not a display of brute force alone. While his “rambunctious” nature was crucial in breaking up Forest’s play, his use of the ball was exceptionally tidy. In fact, he completed a remarkable 91% of his passes.
This combination is the hallmark of a truly valuable modern midfielder. He is the player who wins the ball back through sheer determination and then makes a simple, effective pass to a teammate, ensuring his team keeps possession and can start their own attacks. He is the link between destruction and creation.
This role is what makes Joelinton the unsung hero of this Newcastle team. Everyone knows that Bruno Guimaraes is the creative genius, the player capable of a moment of breathtaking skill that can change a game.
Similarly, Sandro Tonali is the classy metronome, the player who dictates the tempo with his intelligent movement and range of passing. Their qualities are obvious and celebrated.
But Joelinton does the essential, dirty work that allows players like Guimaraes and Tonali to thrive. He is the engine room. He covers the ground, wins the physical battles, and provides the defensive security that gives the more artistic players the freedom to express themselves.
He is the one who sets the tone, especially in a physical league like the Premier League. When Joelinton is crashing into challenges and dominating his area of the pitch, it sends a message to both his teammates and the opposition. It energizes the crowd and turns St. James’ Park into the “daunting fortress” it is known to be.
Manager Eddie Howe understands this better than anyone. He knows that while he has artists in his squad, he also needs a warrior.
Joelinton’s ability to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm, coupled with his near-flawless passing accuracy in this match, was the perfect recipe for breaking down a stubborn Forest side.
He may not always be the most technically gifted player on the team sheet, but his contribution is just as vital.
For the fans on Tyneside, Joelinton is already a cult hero, a player whose journey and relentless style have earned him a special place in their hearts.
They have a chant for him, and they appreciate the immense work he does for the shirt. This victory over Nottingham Forest was a perfect example of why.
While the headlines will rightly praise Bruno Guimaraes for his wonderful goal, those who watched the game closely will know that the victory was equally built on the relentless, intelligent, and near-flawless dirty work of Joelinton. He is the hidden engine that drives the Magpies forward.
