Newcastle United’s fine run of form continues.
One month on since winning the Carabao Cup, Newcastle United remain unbeaten.
Thankfully, there has been no drop-off since Eddie Howe’s side ended the club’s 70-year wait for a major domestic honour.
Indeed, Newcastle thrashed Crystal Palace 5-0 on Wednesday night to continue their fine Premier League campaign.
Newcastle sit third in the Premier League table with six games left to play and remain on course for Champions League qualification once more.
It’s difficult to think of a Toon player out of form right now, such are the levels of quality and confidence flowing through the side in equal measure.
Howe missed Newcastle’s win over Palace after being admitted to hospital with pneumonia, meaning assistant manager Jason Tindall took charge.
Tindall is set to remain in charge against Aston Villa too, while a decision is yet to have been confirmed about what happens after Saturday’s game.
Howe’s assistant is generally thought to be a popular figure amongst the Newcastle squad but it seems Joelinton was not happy with a decision on Wednesday.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty ImagesJoelinton raging with Jason Tindall decision in Newcastle United win
As noted by Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie at St James’ Park, the Brazilian was “raging” with Tindall after having been brought off in the second-half.
That no doubt underlines Joelinton’s competitive spirit. Even when his side are dominating a midweek game ahead of another huge fixture away at Villa on Saturday, the 28-year-old remains eager to play as many minutes as humanly possible.
Writing in the Sky Sports LIVE blog, Downie said: “Joelinton raging to be taken off by Jason Tindall but he has to realise the game is done and he’s one booking away from a ban.”
Joelinton set to be let off the leash at Newcastle United now
Tindall’s decision was correct, whether the midfielder enforcer likes it or not.
Having amassed nine yellow cards for the season up until that point, Joelinton was at risk of a two-game suspension had he been handed another one. One of the most important players in the squad, Newcastle surely cannot have afforded that at such a crucial part of the campaign.
To have taken him off was wise. Risking the potential chance of Joelinton getting another yellow card in a game Newcastle had already won would have been foolish. The slate has now been wiped clean, meaning the Brazil international can start afresh, with that punishment no longer hanging over him.