A number of Newcastle United fans slammed the “terrible” performance of Jeff Hendrick following the Magpies’ 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace at St James’ Park on Tuesday night.
The Magpies headed into the game off the back of a positive result and performance against Everton, and they were aiming to produce more of the same and record back-to-back Premier League wins. However, despite getting off to the perfect start to the game by taking the lead inside two minutes through Jonjo Shelvey, it was another frustrating performance overall.
One player who had a particular difficult night was Hendrick, who delivered another ineffective performance in the middle of the park. The midfielder was improved against Everton, but this was a fairly anonymous display from a player who has already received his share of flak for his performance since joining from Burnley last year.
Hendrick did not really offer enough quality in possession and gave the ball away seven times, while he also managed to win just one duel throughout his 63 minutes on the pitch (Sofascore). That suggests he was not able to do enough either in or out of possession to help the Magpies control the game in the middle of the park.
Newcastle fans slam Jeff Hendrick
Many Newcastle fans were bemused over what Hendrick brings to the team and how he has been a regular starter. Some bemoaned his lack of productivity in possession and ability to get the ball forward.
Hendrick is a very poor footballer, he’s just a passenger in this team, he needs taking out ASAP get asm on #Nufc
— Rich Miller ⚽️ (@Rich1982Miller) February 2, 2021
Can anyone explain what Hendrick brings to #nufc absolutely terrible footballer
— Jeff Blades (@blado15) February 2, 2021
Hendrick really offers just nothing. Shelveys negatives can be massively covered in a 3 but not sure what Hendrick actually does. #nufc
— JG29 (@JG9129) February 2, 2021
Jeff Hendrick has a great ability to look busy without actually contributing anything useful to this team other than getting in the way #NUFC
— Peter Anderson (@PeterDAnderson) February 2, 2021
Hendrick is incapable of passing the ball forward #nufc
— MagpieMockery (@MagpieMockery) February 2, 2021
https://twitter.com/TheLukeTansley/status/1356716936709763075?s=19
Hendrick continues to steal a living on Tyneside 🙄 #NUFC
— Aravind Ramesh (@AravindRamesh19) February 2, 2021
Jeff Hendrick is absolutely rubbish. Lazy closing down for the first, offers nothing on the ball.
Also Ryan Fraser extremely frustrating since he signed.
Wilson, different gravy.#NUFC
— Tudge (@TudgeMH) February 2, 2021
