Islam Slimani completed 63 minutes in the defeat to Everton on Monday night – and Newcastle United fans on Twitter offered mixed opinions on his performance.
The 29-year-old striker was promoted to the side for the Premier League clash and earned his first start since his loan switch to St James’ Park in January from Leicester City.
Rafael Benitez’s side saw their run of four consecutive victories in the league come to an end, as they were beaten 1-0 away at Goodison Park.
The Magpies are still in the pursuit for a top-eight finish this campaign, but will need some decent results in their remaining fixtures to achieve that.
Everton attacker Theo Walcott scored the only goal of the game on Monday, as he showed quick feet inside the penalty area and lifted the ball into the roof of the net.
Newcastle fans were out in force on social media to assess Slimani on his first start and there was a split on his display.
Some feel that the centre-forward hustled well at the point of attack and was also unlucky not to be fed through by teammate Ayoze Perez in attacking areas.
He got the nod over Dwight Gayle in the starting XI, but the Algeria international is still waiting for his first goal at his new side.
There was also a selection of supporters that highlighted his poor display of passing and feel he tried too hard to impress.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
Slimani doing well so far
— Elliot (@e11_dav) April 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/Official_DLP23/status/988502084319367168
Slimani has already offered more than Gayle has all season. He looks up. He looks forward. I like him #NUFC
— Lee Barry (@iamleebarry) April 23, 2018
Slimani so desperate to make an impact, he's not passing the ball!! #nufc couple of straight forward passes there rather than trying to take on 3 players.
— Emma Gregory (@emmagregory23) April 23, 2018
Slimani looking good! #NUFC
— Lewis Taylor ?? (@LewisGTaylor) April 23, 2018
Slimani trying to do far too much by himself. Needs to release quicker. #NUFC
— Shane Saunders (@ShaneSaunders88) April 23, 2018
Impressed with Slimani so far #NUFC
— ToonCoyne?? (@ToonCoyne) April 23, 2018
It's clear Slimani is quality, just needs more game time. #NUFC
— Elliot (@e11_dav) April 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/Hethery1/status/988496818391732224
Well Slimani is dreadful #nufc #EVENEW
— Adam (@akillen88) April 23, 2018