The feeling after a convincing home win is always a positive one. For Newcastle United, their 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at a buzzing St. James’ Park provided a welcome dose of confidence and three crucial points.
After a start to the Premier League season that had been more frustrating than free-flowing, the result felt like a step in the right direction.
The team had just followed up a 4-0 Champions League triumph with a solid domestic performance, scoring six goals without reply across the two games.
Yet, for manager Eddie Howe, the performance against Forest was likely a mixed bag, highlighting both the team’s clear progress and the specific areas that still require his urgent attention.
There is no denying the positives. The attack, which had been struggling to create clear chances in previous league outings, looked far more potent.
The team generated its highest Expected Goals (xG) tally of the season, a clear statistical indicator that they were creating high-quality scoring opportunities.
The victory was orchestrated by captain Bruno Guimaraes, who delivered a true leader’s performance. He broke the deadlock with a stunning, curling shot from outside the box and later won the penalty that sealed the game.
On a day when the team needed inspiration, their Brazilian maestro provided it in abundance.
However, for all the excitement surrounding the goals, a closer look reveals a recurring issue that could hinder Newcastle’s progress if not addressed. While the central midfield and attack found their rhythm, the flanks were noticeably quiet.
Both wingers, Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga, had afternoons to forget. They struggled to get involved in the game consistently and failed to provide the kind of dangerous service into the penalty area that breaks down stubborn defenses.
Elanga, in particular, had a difficult time, managing to deliver just one accurate cross from nine attempts before being substituted.
But the concern doesn’t stop on the wing. A deeper analysis of the match points to a surprising and growing problem in the heart of midfield: the form of Joelinton.
The powerful Brazilian has been a fan favorite for his relentless energy and combative style, but against Forest, he looked uncharacteristically off the pace. While his passing was accurate, his overall influence on the game was minimal.
He was unable to drive forward with the ball, struggled in his physical battles, and missed a significant chance to score in the first half.
The statistics from his performance paint a clear picture of a player who is not impacting the game in the way he normally does. The table below illustrates the specific areas where he fell short against Nottingham Forest:
| Metric | Joelinton’s Performance vs Forest |
|---|---|
| Match Rating | 6.7 |
| Minutes Played | 89 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.49 |
| Expected Assists (xA) | 0.02 |
| Big Chances Missed | 1 |
| Ground Duels Won | 2 out of 7 (29%) |
| Total Duels Won | 4 out of 10 (40%) |
| Accurate Passes | 32/35 (91%) |
| Dribbles Completed | 0 |
| Fouls Committed | 3 |
The numbers reveal a player who is uncharacteristically losing the physical battles he usually dominates, winning only 40% of his total duels.
More concerning is his lack of progressive action; he failed to complete a single dribble and his expected assists metric was virtually zero, indicating he created almost no threat for the opposition goal. He also committed three unnecessary fouls, disrupting his own team’s momentum.
This dip in form could be a sign of fatigue. The demands of the Champions League, on top of the weekly intensity of the Premier League, are immense.
Players are now being asked to perform at their physical peak every three or four days, and it is possible that Joelinton’s all-action, high-intensity style is difficult to sustain through such a congested schedule.
His substitution late in the game for a younger player like Lewis Miley might be a sign that the coaching staff is managing his minutes.
For Eddie Howe, this presents a tactical dilemma. Joelinton has been a crucial part of the team’s identity, but persisting with an underperforming player can cost the team points.
The imminent return of Jacob Ramsey from injury could not be better timed. Ramsey offers a different profile a dynamic, goal-threatening midfielder who can carry the ball and provide a direct running threat from the center of the park.
His availability will provide Howe with a genuine alternative, creating competition for places that could either push Joelinton to rediscover his best form or offer a compelling reason to make a change.
The victory over Nottingham Forest was important, but it also served as a detailed report card. It confirmed the team is moving in the right direction, but it also underlined that the engine room isn’t yet firing on all cylinders.
For Newcastle to consistently compete on two fronts, they need their key warriors to be at their battling best. Ensuring Joelinton returns to his dominant self, or having a ready-made replacement in Ramsey, will be one of Eddie Howe’s most important tasks in the weeks ahead.
