Alan Shearer could not understand Joelinton thought as Newcastle legend screams at chance

Alan Shearer could not understand why Joelinton opted to try and square the ball to Ryan Fraser rather than having a shot himself after Newcastle United’s record signing spurned a decent opening against West Brom.

Newcastle certainly missed the injured Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron against the 19th-placed Baggies but, curiously, Bruce opted not to start either Dwight Gayle or Andy Carroll in their absence.

The Magpies lined up without a recognised striker at the Hawthorns on Sunday and, with Joe Willock taking up a more advanced role in the No 10 position, Bruce paired Joelinton and Ryan Fraser together up front in a 4-3-1-2.

Newcastle caused Sam Allardyce’s side one or two problems on the break in the early stages and Willock threaded a ball through to Joelinton with 12 minutes on the clock.

Joelinton did well to race clear of West Brom defender Dara O’Shea but as he beared down on goal, the No 9 unselfishly tried to pick out the unmarked Fraser and Darnell Furlong got across to cut out the danger.

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Shearer bemoaned the ‘standard from both teams in the final third’ and Newcastle’s record goalscorer felt that particular opening was a ‘great opportunity’ for Joelinton.

“I don’t know why Joelinton is even thinking of passing that,” he told Match of the Day 2. “Get your shot away – you’re 11 yards out.

“If the ‘keeper saves it, then Fraser has got a tap-in. If you are going to pass it, which you shouldn’t, then you’ve got to find that pass and that is a big opportunity.”

No other team have conceded more goals in the Premier League this season than West Brom (56), but blunt Newcastle never really looked like breaking the deadlock.

While analysing another of the Magpies’ counter-attacks, Shearer lamented Fraser’s failure to play a ‘simple ball across’ to Willock or Joelinton inside the penalty box.

Recent fallout over the long-running takeover saga at Newcastle United hasn’t just been the talk of Tyneside – it was the talk of the footballing world.

Now, Steve Bruce must recollect his team and push forward without the change of ownership and new backing.

However, the twists and turns aren’t over, with current owner Mike Ashley ‘considering all options’ after the Premier League rejected the £300m takeover.

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Jonjo Shelvey and Willock eventually forced West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone into action, but the visitors lacked a cutting edge in the final third.

On another breakaway, late on, Willock picked out Joelinton inside the box but the Brazilian’s effort was easily dealt with by Johnstone.

“Willock could play it in there but he chooses not to,” Shearer added. “The ball eventually gets back into Joelinton and I’m screaming, ‘Just put your foot through it. Just laces!’ And it’s a tame effort.

“I thought both teams were really poor.”

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