[Images] - The photos of Miguel Almiron and Ayoze Perez that encapsulate Newcastle's struggle

Newcastle continued to disappoint in front of goal against Wolves and but for a rare headed goal from Jamaal Lascelles, it is unlikely they would have stained Rui Patricio’s clean sheet.

They had just two shots on target in the entire match and once again one of the best chances fell to Miguel Almiron, whose lack of composure let him down as his shot hit the side netting.

It is a familiar story for the Paraguay international. He uses his pace brilliantly to get in behind the defence but clearly lacks the confidence and know-how to apply a finish.

As a result, he is still to break his duck for Newcastle and is approaching ten months at the club, an underwhelming return for a player signed for a then club record of £20m.

By contrast, one player who left St James’ Park in the summer was in electric form at his new club this weekend – Ayoze Perez.

He finished his stint at Newcastle in fine form and has continued to impress at Leicester, and though he isn’t always first choice he has scored three and assisted two for the Foxes.

On Friday night he scored a hat trick as Brendan Rodgers’ side put nine past a hapless Southampton side – that’s three more goals than the Magpies have scored in the league all season.

Newcastle, therefore, are clearly missing the invention and eye for goal that the Spaniard provided, with Almiron’s failure to step up adequately as his replacement resulting in a toothless attack.

A lack of service for Joelinton has left the new attacker with just one goal in ten league games.

The varying fortunes of Almiron and Perez sum up why Newcastle are hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, and the Magpies faithful will certainly be missing the Spaniard’s creativity and goal scoring prowess during a spell that has been devoid of attacking inspiration.

from FootballFanCast.com https://ift.tt/2qLskgx