The Championship Golden Boot race must make for painful viewing for everyone on Tyneside.
Because, two months into the new season, a pair of strikers who were barely given a kick at Newcastle United are jostling for pole position.
In second place right now is Ivan Toney, the latest in a long line of brilliant Brentford signings.
Ollie Watkins’ replacement was handed just two Premier League appearances before leaving Newcastle for Peterborough in a £650,000-a-week deal. But it wont be long before he is back in the big time – with or without the Bees.
In fact, there is only one player in the Championship who can better Toney’s tally of ten goals in 11 games thus far – a Newcastle-born, Vardy-esque frontman who grew up idolising Alan Shearer on the Tyneside terraces.
And you would imagine that, if the Magpies could turn back the clock, they would think twice about accepting a £1.75 million bid from Blackburn Rovers in August 2018.
Adam Armstrong stepped up in style after the injury-enforced absence of Bradley Dack last term but, in the opening weeks of 2020/21, the speedy striker has taken his game to a whole new level.
Racing in behind the QPR defence to score two late goals in Saturday’s 3-1 win at Ewood Park, Armstrong took his tally to 11 goals in 10 Championship games this term – 12 in 12 in all competitions.
“Adam does (make a difference) as he has done all season. I think Adam has matured and he’s only 23,” Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray said.
“He’s a boy really, but his explosive pace at the top end of the pitch allows you to play both ways, to not be overly concerned if you’re pinned back around the edge of your box because one pass releases pressure.
“It’s a devastating effect for the team.”
Meanwhile, back on Tyneside, an ill-timed injury to the in-form Callum Wilson leaves Steve Bruce relying, once again, on the misfiring, £40 million Joelinton in the final third.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
