Last night’s 1-0 defeat to Burnley was a really disappointing one, and NUFC forward Joselu has taken quite a bit of criticism as a result, with several fans urging Benitez to hand Aleksandar Mitrovic his chance in the team on Saturday in place of the underperforming Spaniard.
Rafa has handed the former Stoke City striker starts in our last 8 games and whilst the early signs were decent, seeing him score against West Ham and put in some great shifts up top, he’s looked edgy in front of goal and hasn’t offered nearly enough in our last three games since his fortunate goal in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool.
With Gayle also appearing out of sorts, fans have taken to social media to express their desire to see Benitez hand Aleksandar Mitrovic his big chance against Bournemouth on Saturday, with several appearing baffled that the Serbian has not been given a chance given Joselu’s recent performances:
Jesus wept that was bad. So bad. Joselu isn't better than Mitro, I'm just not having it.
— Jack ? (@jackm1892) October 31, 2017
Mitrovic has to start on Saturday. I know Rafa sees more than I do but Joselu offers nothing whatsoever. Also would like Murphy for Perez.
— Scott (@ScottBarclay6) October 31, 2017
At what point Rafa stops with Joselu and finally give chances to Mitro and/or Gayle?
— Bigo1 (@Bigo1_) October 31, 2017
Mitro is 10x the striker Joselu is.
— C?mpleteNUFC (@CompleteNUFC) October 30, 2017
Joselu was starved of service but even when he was called into action he produced very little. What's Mitro gotta do to get a start? #NUFC
— Clinton Forde (@FordeHaveMercy) October 30, 2017
Honestly think Mitrovic is the only ST we have that can score. Both of Joselu's goals were pure flukes and Gayle can't run for some reason
— matthew (@JB4t00n) October 31, 2017
SURELY Mitrovic gets a chance on Saturday. Joselu woeful.
— Rob M (@GeordieRobM) October 30, 2017
Personally, I’m all for Mitrovic being handed his chance on Saturday. He has his faults and, whilst I struggle to see how he can be rated in a different league to Joselu, he certainly deserves a shot in the side given our other options look so out of sorts at the minute.
We need a big performance on Saturday and seeing Mitrovic’s name on the team-sheet could be just what we need to freshen things up.
It’s also worth mentioning that he often linked up with Perez very well in our last stint in the Premier League and it seems the prevailing opinion is that fans want to see him start on Saturday if this poll’s results are anything to go by!
If Rafa goes one up front on Saturday, who would you pick?
— The Chronicle (@ChronicleNUFC) October 31, 2017
Let us know your thoughts folks! Do you agree with these comments from some NUFC fans online? Would you start Mitro on Saturday?