Many Newcastle United supporters have been raging over the performance of Jonjo Shelvey in their 1-0 defeat at Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Shelvey was named in a full-strength Newcastle team, with Steve Bruce hoping his side could relieve some of the pressure mounting on him by securing a route to the semi-finals. However, the Magpies failed to do enough against their Championship hosts and in the end were deservedly on the wrong end of a 1-0 defeat.
The 28-year-old was unable to dictate the game in the fashion you would expect from a player with his technical quality in possession. The midfielder lost the ball eight times and failed to win a single tackle, although he did make four interceptions and three clearances (Sofascore). However, that was not enough to help inspire Newcastle to a positive result.
The midfielder has not been at his best for the Magpies so far this season and he has been struggling to find consistency in his game. That will be a concern for Bruce, who is not blessed with an array of midfield options to make changes to his starting line-up. Shelvey needs to show that he is capable of turning his form around very swiftly over the next few weeks.
Newcastle fans rage at Jonjo Shelvey’s display at Brentford
Many Newcastle fans were quick to point out that Shelvey has not been at his best for a while, and some even questioned the decision to offer him a new contract this year. One fan even described him as ‘lazy’, which might be a little harsh but shows the frustrations over his recent form.
There's a reason Rafa wanted to sell Shelvey & Ritchie they're both done! I know one didn't play 2nite but he's been found out last couple of games too. #finished #nufc
— Chris Currie (@Wig82) December 22, 2020
https://twitter.com/pjensh91/status/1341473810239905792?s=19
How is Shelvey captain. He is an utter disgrace. Never talks. Strolls around sulking. #nufc
— Andrew ⚫⚪ (@Andrew_1892_) December 22, 2020
https://twitter.com/thebelfastmagp1/status/1341461646187909121?s=19
https://twitter.com/Coryjgraham/status/1341461245883461642?s=19
Time to call it a day with Shelvey mind. He should be dominating a game like this #nufc
— Craig Middleton (@CraigMidd) December 22, 2020
Giving Shelvey and Ritchie new longterm contracts was a woeful idea. #nufc
— Ben (@Bengn87) December 22, 2020
