Watch Bentaleb screamer & Joelinton goal from today’s behind closed doors match at SJP – Video

Joelinton was on the scoresheet and Nabil Bentaleb rattled in a 30-yard screamer in an 11 v 11 training game at St James’ Park today.

The behind closed doors match finished 1-1 and will serve as solid preparation ahead of the return to top flight action, with players having to get used to games without fans ahead of our Premier League clash with Sheffield United on June 21st.

Here is Joelinton’s opening goal, where he looks like a totally different player to the one we’re used to seeing at St James’ Park – albeit via some pretty awful defending:

⚽ In today's behind-closed-doors training match at St. James' Park, Joelinton gave his side – wearing the orange change kit – the lead in the first period. @fun88eng #NUFC pic.twitter.com/iCi80OD301

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 6, 2020

Bentaleb then fired back with an absolute raker from 30 yards, smashing the ball into the top right corner past the hapless Martin Dubravka:

? @nabilbentaleb42 equalised for the black and whites as today's behind-closed-doors training match at St. James' Park finished 1-1. @fun88eng #NUFC pic.twitter.com/ZJbKQPysye

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 6, 2020

Two players that may seem as surprise stand-outs due to their struggling performances on the pitch so far in a Newcastle shirt, but positive signs nonetheless.

Will playing in front of an empty stadium he’ll Joelinton realise his potential? He sure looks like a different player here!

⚽️ The players took part in a behind-closed-doors training match at St. James' Park earlier today as they build up to the resumption of the 2019/20 @premierleague season.

We'll bring you clips – including a scorcher from @nabilbentaleb42 – shortly! #NUFC pic.twitter.com/QJyfBMZvRo

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 6, 2020

(Fancy writing for us? Get in touch at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)