Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce analyses the key difference in striker Joelinton after improved Chelsea show

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea and Joelinton of Newcastle United battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea FC at St. James Park on January 18, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Steve Bruce believes Joelinton is already reaping the benefits of his FA Cup exploits after putting in a ‘manful’ performances against Chelsea.

Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce was full of praise for his Brazilian frontman, who has come in for criticism for some lacklustre performances of late.

But having netted against Rochdale in the cup, Joelinton led the line and hit the bar against the Blues.

Bruce admits he was impressed by the £40million man.

"Joe was manful today (Saturday),” said Bruce after his side’s 1-0 win at St James’s Park.

“You can see the difference a goal (in the 4-1 FA Cup win on Tuesday) made. He fed off scraps but he never gave up."

Isaac Hayden scored the only goal of the game in the 94th minute on Tyneside yesterday as United ended a run of three without a win in the Premier League.