'Sensational' - Sky pundit reveals what he saw from Joelinton during Newcastle United warm-up vs West Ham

Since signing for the Toon Army in 2019, the Brazilian forward has hit just eight goals in 74 matches prior to Saturday lunchtime’s Premier League clash against West Ham.

The 24-year-old managed to make it nine in 75, however – and five for the season in all competitions – when he scored the Magpies’ second against the Hammers after Lukasz Fabianski spilt a corner at his feet in the six-yard box.

And it would appear that Joelinton had already discovered his shooting boots earlier in the day.

Shortly before that goal went in, Sky Sports pundit Andy Hinchcliffe revealed that the South American had looked razor sharp in the warm-up prior to kick-off.

Speaking on Sky’s coverage of the game partway through the first half, he said: “I’m wondering what Joelinton we’re going to see today.

"Against Tottenham he was absolutely excellent – scored a decent goal, worked very hard.

"Against Burnley he was poor.

"He’s had a real difficult time at Newcastle, but he really has got the talent. It’s just whether he’s got the application game after game.

“In the warm-up he was absolutely sensational.

"He was slamming them in the top corner every shot he took.”

Lead commentator Ian Crocker corroborated Hinchcliffe’s claims, adding: “He was. He back-heeled one into the top corner.

"It might be a good idea to start doing that in matches.”

Joelinton’s first half effort against West Ham was his second goal in three matches having also scored Newcastle’s opener in their recent 2-2 draw with Tottenham.