This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
“He can knuckle down now and fight for his place,” were the words muttered by Steve Bruce when discussing Dwight Gayle over a month ago.
However, fast forward to a period where we’re now close to December and that chance hasn’t been granted.
Gayle has been frozen out and neglected at St James’ Park in 2019/20. Given his prior record in the Premier League it’s perhaps unsurprising that’s been the case.
In 102 top-flight matches he’s only bagged 21 goals. Compare that to his tally in the Championship and he’s scored 38 more in two fewer outings.
So far this term, Gayle has been limited to just 22 minutes. It’s a huge worry for a player who Bruce says he’s delighted to have at the club.
Take a trip down memory lane to a time when Newcastle were giants on the European stage in the video below…
However, that statement is puzzling and the stance that’s been utilised towards the £13.5m-rated forward is even more bewildering.
You can forgive early-season neglect because Joelinton was signed for a colossal £40m in the summer. To put it simply, when a fee that high is thrown at a player it’s difficult to place him on the bench.
But since entering English football, the powerful striker has scored just once. Gayle may have a shoddy record at this level but after netting 24 times for West Brom last term, he deserves more of a chance than he’s been afforded.
If you consider the bigger picture, he is unlikely to play any worse than the man ahead of him in the pecking order.
Joelinton isn’t the sole issue for Gayle, though. In fact, Andy Carroll has become second choice for Bruce and when the Magpies needed a goal on Monday against Aston Villa, he was turned to first.
It was a damning statement from the Newcastle boss as Gayle eventually came on but registered just four touches in 18 minutes.
That points to a man devoid of any confidence, which is hardly surprising given his lack of football this season.
It’s easy to suggest someone could improve a team’s fortunes but in this instance, Gayle certainly wouldn’t harm their chances. Linked with a move away from the Toon, Newcastle could benefit from handing him a proper chance before letting him leave again.
After all, Carroll is yet to score this season either.
In other news, check out what Chris Sutton had to say after Newcastle’s most recent defeat…
