‘This is a rarity’: Michael Owen stunned by what £86k-a-week Newcastle star did on Sat

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Eddie Howe publicly praised Newcastle United hitman Joelinton in midweek.

And whisper it, but it may just pay off.

The big Brazilian had netted just six Premier League goals in two-and-a-bit seasons at Newcastle prior to Howe’s arrival.

But Joelinton, a £40 million signing in 2019, scored in Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Brentford at St James’s Park.

This was Howe’s first game as Magpies boss and if the 43-year-old can get Joelinton scoring, it’ll go a long way toward helping the Tyneside club in their relegation battle.

The former Hoffenheim marksman took his goal very well.

Here’s how Michael Owen reacted to this ‘rarity’ yesterday, telling Optus Sport: “Joelinton even got on the goal sheet! You said about a rarity defenders scoring – this is a rarity as well. Great first touch from Joelinton and an even better second touch, thumped it into the bottom corner.”

Confidence

This will do the South American the world of good.

Having had such a dismal goalscoring record after costing £40 million, his confidence must be in the dumps these past couple of years.

But Howe is a fantastic man-manager, the like of which could result in Joelinton getting a second wind in the North East.

As mentioned, he publicly praised the big man in midweek, claiming that he could be a ‘huge player‘ for Newcastle.

And going by his performance on Saturday, well maybe that isn’t a bad shout at all.

Joelinton, who earns £86,000 per week at Newcastle, still has a long way to go before he’s considered a reliable goalscoer.

But this is a brilliant start to life under the former Bournemouth coach.