Newcastle’s fine form right now is down to far more than one or two key performances, with responsibilities and goals shared throughout the team.
“Joselu-lu-lu, he might score one, he might score two,” sang the Newcastle United fans on Saturday; he did not score at all, despite three huge chances against former club Stoke City.
And yet Magpies supporters are not overly concerned by the struggles of their new forward signing, who has scored just once in four Premier League games.
That is because the goals are coming from elsewhere and, crucially, Joselu is still playing well. It is a system that, right now, suits Newcastle.
Rafa Benitez’s men are not overly dependent on any one star player; Jamaal Lascelles and Mikel Merino, the standout performers of this season, both have able deputies on the bench – some would argue Florian Lejeune and Jonjo Shelvey are the better pair.
Take any current first team player out of the team and Newcastle have options to come in.
Joselu, incidentally, perhaps remains the safest bet for a starting role as his physical presence and positional discipline offers something different.
Newcastle fans might have bemoaned the failure to bring in a big-name forward, who would guarantee goals, but that is not still the case as they lie fourth in the table.
The Magpies were reliant on Andy Carroll after their last promotion and took their time to get over his sale.
Similarly, note Everton’s failings in front of goal this season as they adjust to life after Romelu Lukaku, a star man who carried the team on his shoulders.
Newcastle can enjoy winning right now without the fear of their hopes crumbling through the absence of one player.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
