OPINION
There may be a case to suggest Newcastle United should stay loyal to Dwight Gayle after his goals fired the club to promotion last season, but another dismal performance against Chelsea on Sunday proved why he should be shown the exit doors.
The 27-year-old played an integral role during the last campaign as the Magpies romped to the Championship title, scoring 23 goals in just 32 league matches.
He has proven over the years that he can be a lethal finisher in front of goal and his pace in behind makes him a major threat.
However, the Englishman has frequently struggled to replicate that form in the top flight and his performance at the weekend in the FA Cup epitomised the fact that he is out of his depth this season.
Newcastle slipped to a 3-0 away defeat against Chelsea in the fourth round of the cup and the centre-forward made a very small impact against the Premier League champions.
Rafael Benitez’s side have looked short in attack all season, particularly in the Premier League, and Gayle is simply not good enough to wear the number nine shirt at St James’ Park.
Gayle has been shocking this campaign for the North-East club and managed just three goals in 24 appearances across all competitions.
He has just 18 goals under his belt in 85 Premier League appearances, compared to 36 in just 61 Championship games.
Gayle unfortunately fits into the bracket of striker’s that are lethal in the second-tier, but can’t replicate it at the highest level.
Newcastle’s centre-forward issue has been blatantly obvious all year and they should bin Gayle for good before replacing him with a proven top-flight talent.