Many Newcastle United fans have criticised the performance of midfielder Jonjo Shelvey in the Magpies’ 3-0 drubbing at Arsenal on Monday night.
Steve Bruce went into the game needing a performance from his team to lift the pressure mounting on his shoulders, but despite making wholesale changes to the starting line-up and shifting to a 4-4-2 formation the Magpies were once again toothless in the final third. In the second half, they capitulated after conceding the first goal on the counter-attack and are now winless in nine games.
One player who was brought into the side but failed to improve matters on the field was Shelvey. The 28-year-old was often laboured in possession and was guilty of giving the ball away at crucial periods, losing possession on nine occasions in total (Sofascore). That is an improvement on the 15.8 times he has given the ball away on average per game this season, but it still shows his sloppiness on the ball.
The midfielder was at fault for the crucial opening goal, with his poor corner failing to beat the first man and leaving the Magpies exposed at the back as Arsenal counterattacked on them swiftly. Also, Shelvey did not win a single tackle and made just one interception, which was down from his seasonal average of 1.5 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per match (Sofascore).
Newcastle fans rage over Shelvey’s performance
Many Newcastle fans were left frustrated by Shelvey’s lack of energy at times in and out of possession and some feel that he should not be picked to start for the Magpies again. Here is a flavour of the Twitter reaction to the 28-year-old’s display at the Emirates Stadium, with one irate fan branding him a “liability”:
Just want him gone tbh. Absolutely pointless player for us now. Doesn’t defend, doesn’t run, constantly passes backwards or sideways, no intent, no creativity.
— NRS⬛️⬜️ (@NUFCNRS) January 18, 2021
He does almost every game he plays. Shelvey is a good passer is one of the premier leagues biggest myths. Abysmal.
— Lee Hawkins (@leehawkins9) January 18, 2021
He’s not the only one but considering Shelvey is the highest earner at the club I can’t remember the last decent game he had? #NUFC
— JCB. (@joecornbill) January 18, 2021
Get rid of Shelvey, he is too much of a liability. Poor defensively and a terrible all round Center midfielder.
scout someone abroad Cabaye-esq, who is first and foremost a good CM, who can pass the ball. #NUFC
— Alex Newton (@alexnewton91) January 18, 2021
Jonjo Shelvey is the laziest footballer I’ve ever seen #NUFC
— Glen Lawton (@GlenLawton4) January 18, 2021
Shelvey has been a passenger tonight, miles off the pace. #nufc
— JohnM (@John14Moody) January 18, 2021
Shelvey pointing and shouting to send the ball backwards instead of showing for it. Spineless. #NUFC
— Anthony Colwell (@ant_colwell) January 18, 2021
https://twitter.com/AlexVeitch7/status/1351277664569602052?s=19
He's just pointless. I've never seen a @nufc midfield as lacking in years. No pace, no tenacity, no creativity, no power. Its shockingly bad.
— Mick Maldini 💙 (@MickMaldini) January 18, 2021
Another pathetic performance. How Joelinton is on the pitch for 90 minutes is beyond me. The CM combination of Matty and Shelvey was atrocious. I honestly can’t see where our next point never mind points are coming. Bruce needs to go before it’s too late. #NUFC https://t.co/ns5oqRg9QG
— Robbie McMullen (@RobbieMac90) January 18, 2021
