This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets… 

Newcastle’s marquee signing is yet to get firing this season, but his performance against Bournemouth did mean he began to show why his attributes appealed so much to the Newcastle hierarchy.

Joelinton’s winner against Tottenham remains his sole goal but his overall game, along with those of his two partners in attack, is beginning to improve.

There is a clear understanding building between Newcastle’s front three and each had chances to score against the Cherries on Saturday, and though their finishing boots continue to desert them, Steve Bruce will find the positives.

The Brazilian was more prolific last term in Germany with 11 goals in all competitions, but an important aspect of his style was the contribution he made in helping others excel, particuarly Andrej Kramaric at Hoffenheim.

This season he doesn’t have a strike partner and has thus been a little more isolated, and deprived of the ball with the Magpies averaging 38% possession, but against Bournemouth he showed that he has multiple uses.

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As per WhoScored, he increased his involvement in the final third quite drastically, with four shots compared to his season’s average of 1.7.

He seems as determined as ever to get back onto the scoresheet, too, working hard throughout with two interceptions. It is also good to see that his confidence and morale hasn’t dropped – taking a shot at goal in the first half when a pass to Miguel Almiron may have led to a better opportunity.

Despite failing to score, both the striker and his teammates becoming more active in threatening the opponent is a positive step, and the more the two wingers work off Joelinton, the better chance of success.

The £40m player made just one key pass against Bournemouth, the same as he has averaged per game so far, but if he can target it as an area to improve and find his teammates more often, Newcastle’s poor return of 11 goals in 12 league games and their reliance on defenders for goals will get better.

Joelinton should, therefore, take confidence from the game, and with the Magpies steadily improving, particuarly in attack with five goals in two games, then his chances to increase his goal tally will come more often.