Rafa Benitez could hardly be blamed for looking at an alternative up front as Joselu’s misses start to cost Newcastle.
Joselu has impressed since joining Newcastle United in the summer, but the Magpies are beginning to pay the price for his missed chances.
While the former Stoke City forward continues to perform well, holding the ball up and bringing others into play, he has passed up four gilt-edged opportunities in the last two matches.
Against Stoke, Newcastle escaped with the points. Against Brighton and Hove Albion, they were not so lucky.
Rafa Benitez’s side have multiple threats within their side, but the chances are falling to a striker who simply does not look like scoring.
And so Aleksandar Mitrovic has a huge opportunity to stake a claim for a first-team place when he returns from suspension next week.
The Serbia international has long impressed at international level and started the club season with two goals in two games, while he boasts the raw materials to play Joselu’s role perfectly.
Mitrovic, too, has missed big chances in the past, but he has a goal-scoring pedigree that at least makes him a better bet than the Spaniard right now.
It is a shame for Joselu’s good work to be undone, but Newcastle – looking to establish themselves back in the Premier League – cannot afford to waste such openings.
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