NEWCASTLE fans lamented the “real Joelinton” after he missed an open goal during their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg with Southampton… before he went on to score the winner.
The Magpies forward has resurrected his career over the past 12 months, thriving under Eddie Howe.
But Toon supporters were handed a reminder of his dreadful early form in the North East when he squandered a huge opportunity on Tuesday night.
With the game goalless, Miguel Almiron found Joelinton at the back post with a deflected cross.
But the Brazilian somehow side-footed his effort over the bar from just four yards out.
And the Newcastle faithful quickly pointed out it was a miss reminiscent of the South American’s first couple of years in England.
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One frustrated social media user said: “Old Joelinton is back 🤦🏻♂️”.
While another added: “That’s the real Joelinton 🤯”.
A third said: “Our inability to finish chances is becoming more than a joke… How does Joelinton – a professional footballer – miss that??? 🤦🏼♂️😡😡😡”.
And a fourth responded: “Joelinton’s may be his worst miss yet… That’s saying something after his spell as a number 9 🤣”.
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However, Joelinton, who joined from Hoffenheim for £40million in 2019, ended up having the final say as he bagged the only goal of the game in the 73rd minute.
Substitute Alexander Isak stormed down the right flank beyond Duje Caleta-Car and squared for Joelinton to tap home.
Southampton thought they had levelled less than two minutes later when Adam Armstrong bundled in an equaliser.
But a VAR check showed the ball had bounced off the Saints man’s arm before deflecting into the net.
And Newcastle held on to take a 1-0 lead back to St James’ Park for the second leg in seven days’ time.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
