Joelinton scored his second Champions League goal of the season for Newcastle United as they beat Qarabag 3-2 at St James’ Park.
Joelinton couldn’t hide his frustration at being substituted early in Newcastle United’s 3-2 win over Qarabag despite scoring on the night.
The Brazilian made it 2-0 with just six minutes on the clock after Sandro Tonali opened the scoring at St James’ Park. But the remainder of the game proved to be a fairly disjointed affair for The Magpies, who had already effectively secured progress to the last-16 by winning the first leg 6-1 last week in Baku.
It was Joelinton’s second Champions League goal of the season, having also found the net in the 2-0 win over Athletic Club back in November.
But the 29-year-old was withdrawn early in the second half with the score at 3-1, much to his disappointment.
Joelinton anger made clear during Newcastle United win
Joelinton gestured with his arms and made his frustration known to Howe as he made his way off the pitch. He also pointed as the match timer at St James’ Park displayed 54 minutes at the time of his substitution.
The match marked Joelinton’s first start after six games out with a groin injury.
Rather than deny and play down the clear disagreement with his player, Howe simply explained: “Joey always plays with passion. That’s what makes him the player he is.
“I’m trying to protect him and make sure we can use him next game. He’s had limited football and he’s important. We need to keep him fit.
“Same with Sven Botman. We’ve got to build their robustness up. But I love that he doesn’t want to come off. That’s him.”
NUFC duo at risk of suspension
Joelinton is also one booking away from suspension in the Champions League and picking up a yellow card in a tie that Newcastle had effectively already won would have been seen as a needless blow for Howe’s side.
The midfielder is set to be available for the first leg of the last-16 tie against either Barcelona or Chelsea next month but another yellow card would see him handed a one-match suspension having been booked twice previously in the Champions League this season.
Dan Burn is also one booking away from suspension while Malick Thiaw served his suspension on Tuesday after being booked in the first leg last week.
“I had to put 11 players out there,” Howe said, explaining his team selection. “With Malick suspended, Dan had to play because I wanted to rest Lewis Hall.
“It was about deciding who really needed it and who could get through the game. Thankfully, Dan and Joe didn’t get booked.
“You can’t go in with a mindset of worrying about that. Just play the game. We’ve got a fragile squad. A number of players are working to get back.
“The lads who’ve committed every performance have been magnificent.”
- Dominic Scurr
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