There was a moment in the second half at Spurs in which Newcastle United observers saw an all too familiar sight this season.
With 20 minutes of the game left, Dwight Gayle returned from a warm-up only to be delivered the news he has grown to get used to at United, for the 23rd time this season in the Premier League he learned he wasn't going to be getting an appearance. Even at 4-1 down with nothing more than a consolation up for grabs, it was decided that keeping the scoreline down was a better option.
In fairness to Gayle he has not complained about the situation he has found himself in but for any footballer, not even getting a sniff of a chance must be disheartening. True, Gayle is a team player and his presence in the dressing room is a positive one.
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For all the talk of systems and tactics, the fact of the matter is, history has proved if you get the ball to Gayle in the right areas he scores goals. Only this season he's had just 27 minutes in total to show what he can do.
At 32 he still has two years left on his contract and injuries have not been a concern. Howe says he will turn to Gayle when he needs to and even stated he could score the goal that keeps Newcastle in the Premier League.
There is clearly a plan behind the scenes but at the moment supporters aren't seeing it. Gayle's last goal for Newcastle back in December 2020 for the Magpies, if his next keeps Newcastle in the division and the club embark on a spell of success it might be a memorable one.
Newcastle one of the most fired up teams in the Premier League
Joelinton's commitment to the black and white cause can't be questioned and it was no surprise to see him sticking up for his team-mates at the end of the first half. The midfield enforcer was quickly on the scene to deal with Uruguay international Rodrigo Bentancur as he shoved him over with ease.
Joelinton was probably taken off before he got sent off though as tempers flared. Allan Saint-Maximin and big Dan Burn were also cautioned in the game.
It took the yellow card count at Newcastle up to 69 this season with only Leeds having more cautions with a whopping 91 bookings!
Eddie Howe's early rallying call with Premier League safety likely to be confirmed at St James' Park
With three games to play on the hallowed turf at St James' and four points from nine needed, Newcastle could essentially book their place in the top-flight in front of their own fans. And with a full house already counting down the hours to Friday night it should be a pretty raucous atmosphere under the lights.
Howe did not take long to latch on to the fan factor and said in his Press conference on Sunday night: "We need the crowd and stadium united to make that atmosphere as intense as we can for our opponents. This is going to be a massive spell which will go a long way to dictate our fate this season.
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