Truth behind Shelvey’s shock celebration answers all slurs over seasons of turmoil.
By Cameron Gillies
Bruce won’t change his ways, they said. Give Jonjo Shelvey some competition, they said. It will help bring out the best in Newcastle United’s unpredictable midfielder. That plan has looked rather flawed over the last couple of seasons here at St. James’ Park.
With only managing just seven goals in his last two seasons for the club in all competitions, Shelvey has been heavily criticized as a player for becoming so immobile and lazy, he ensures the team play a certain way which creates minimal attacking play, say fans.
When watching Shelvey in his prime, it shocked me to believe Newcastle are lucky to have this genius, a player who was brilliant on the ball, leaving people stunned as to how Gareth Southgate could ignore his talent.
After starting all three of this season leagues games and not one goal or assist, surely it was time for Shelvey to end this terrible drought. Newcastle went into the 4th round of the EFL Cup away against resilient Welsh opponents Newport County yesterday evening, hoping to progress to the quarter finals in search of their first major trophy since 1969.
Jonjo Shelvey had an eventful game, which saw him miss a glorious chance and getting booked, before a stunning long- range strike in the 87th minute spared Toon’s blushes. With the result ending in a 1-1 draw, it sent the tie to penalties, where Newcastle were victorious winning 5-4 thanks to Brandon Coopers blazed effort.
The talking point was Jonjo Shelvey’s ‘shush’ gesture which was seen to be aimed towards fans who’ve criticized his performances recently. Incredibly surprising from him, when he was again rank rotten until a moment of quality.
Newcastle required a late equalizer and penalties to get past League Two opponents Newport County
Newport boss Mike Flynn praised Shelvey’s performance tonight: ‘Jonjo Shelvey is the only player on the pitch who can put it in the top corner from that position’.
Shelvey hopes his performance leads to a well earnt league start against Burnley this Saturday, live from 8:00pm.
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