Monday night’s visit of Manchester United saw Eddie Howe’s men earn a deserved point in their quest for Premier League survival. Talisman Allan Saint-Maximin popped up with the goal for the home side but it was teammate Joelinton who went home with all the plaudits. The 25-year-old has struggled to justify his £40m signing fee since his acquisition from Hoffenheim, finding the net only 7 times in 87 appearances in the league. 

But, a switch to a midfield role by new boss Howe seems to have done the trick and allowed the Brazilian to shine while relieving him of the pressure to put the ball in the back of the net. Joelinton went home with the man of the match award after a dominating performance and Twitter didn’t fail to take notice.
 

Newcastle’s official handle tweeted out a picture of Joelinton cheekily nutmegging Marcus Rashford- an image that summed up the 25-year-old’s evening.

Meanwhile, Newcastle fans couldn’t hide their delight at the sights

If the above shows how popular Joelinton is among his supporters, Sean Longstaff’s words about him show he is held in similar regard among his teammates as well.

Eddie Howe was full of praise for his player post-match

The Magpies currently sit in 19th position in the league table, having played a game more than Norwich and any chance to finish above the relegation spots would rest largely on players like Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin staying fit and delivering, but Howe now has a blueprint he can build on in the coming weeks and months, especially with January additions yet to come in.