This £4M Newcastle player must be dropped vs. West Ham

Newcastle United picked up a big win over the weekend, defeating Burnley 2-1 and moving closer to securing Premier League safety. But, despite the victory, there were still disappointing performances, including by one of the club’s forwards.

Getting another start at striker, Dwight Gayle is simply not up to the task of being a Premier League target man at this time. He put the ball in the net once but was offside.

Gayle finished with three shots and one big chance missed. His effort from close range was saved before the situation with a high boot and Sean Longstaff took place on the rebound.

The 31-year-old scored in his season debut back in mid-December and has not registered a goal or an assist since. While it’s great that he’s put seven of his 15 shots on target in Premier League play, it doesn’t do a lot of good if it’s not finding the back of the net.

Dwight Gayle must be dropped from the Newcastle United starting XI vs. West Ham.

With Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson working towards full fitness, Bruce will obviously need to adjust his starting XI. The easiest decision for him to make should be dropping Gayle to the bench. He’s not up to the task and with the club getting healthy, there are better options for that position in the starting group.

Joelinton certainly hasn’t set the world ablaze with his play or proved that he was worth the club’s biggest price tag ever. But, he has been comfortably better than Gayle this season, especially recently. While he may still be on the outside looking in for the starting XI, he’s at least earned consideration to hold onto his spot.