Joelinton...an apology

[Zippity]

I've given him some fearful stick on here.

In my defence, he's been fucking terrible for a long time.

BUT, he's never hidden and he's now got a manager who understands how to use him and he's been getting better and better. One of the best performances we've seen in quite a while tonight.

So...apologies to the big man

[Jammy89]

Aye.

Well said Zip.

Not looking like a £40 million player yet but he is looking like a player that can do a good job.

[trinitoon]

I've always thought he was useful in build-up play. And gave more to the team just behind the striker. To be fair, I'm seen him roam around the pitch and put in performances but he's been putting out more and more every match.

His place is even further back because, apart from Shelvey (who himself is pretty awful), not many people in the team get stuck in. I think he's surprised Howay, the commentators, the Cundits on MNF, most of the people in the stand and at home, Manchester United and probably himself.

I'm not joking - he was everywhere, hardly ever gave the ball away, was involved in everything near him, on the end of long balls, breaking up play and was bossing around anyone within arm's length of him. Was aggressive without giving away fouls (his yellow was for getting mouthy with the Ref), carried the ball like a boss and made some really good passes. And it's not just tonight - you could see him building to this since Howe's arrival. He might be a bit clumsy, but even in the middle of being clumsy, the fella is giving 100% of his ability. I think Howe has de-Bruced him and if he continues to play like that, he has to stay!!!! All will be forgiven....

His energy allowed players around him freedom and we conceded 70% of possession but, largely thanks to him, they never bossed the game... ...which is amazing when you come to think of it.

--

A little word about MaximumMan... He was getting slagged off last week. But I think Howay has had a word with him because you could see him trying to pass the ball on some more of his dribbles. Not a good sight to see him hobbling off - better not be anything serious.

[BenArfa10]

Ditto, I gave the lad so much stick.

Looks a world beater in the midfield

[trinitoon]

On a night that most players played well, more stats of the Brazilian Beastman JoLo

He had more touches (63)
played more passes (33) and successful ones (25),
created more chances (three),
made more interceptions (four),
won the ball more times (11) and
carried it forward more often (13) than any of his team-mates.


It is stunning for one player to hit all of them stats in the same game, relative to his teammates if that is a sign of things to come from him and he can keep up that form, that would be evidence of Howay’s work. Best midfield display since Kebabs who I don’t think he exerted himself that much.

[sherwoodmag]

The apology should come from whoever decided he was a £40 million striker.

In Germany he had always played in midfield.

Howe has obviously just put him where he has naturally played.

[ex_pat_magpie]

I've given him some fearful stick on here.

In my defence, he's been fucking terrible for a long time.

BUT, he's never hidden and he's now got a manager who understands how to use him and he's been getting better and better. One of the best performances we've seen in quite a while tonight.

So...apologies to the big man

It only magnifies the failures of the previous regime.

[Alberts__Lob]

I've slated Super Joe too but having a proper manager who knows what he's doing seems to have transformed him. Being on the same pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo and all Man-U's other stars and picking up the man of the match award can only boost his confidence more too

[Scott Kirkland]

He is this good after only a few games in a new position, Imagine how good he could become by the end of the season.

[Alberts__Lob]

Can he do is consistently in a struggling team though that's the question? He looked like the worst signing in our history not long ago and played like complete penguin sh!t for ages