Newcastle United took a huge step towards survival yesterday after they recorded a 1-0 win over Manchester United at St James’ Park, and the Toon Army were celebrating long into the night here in the Transfer Tavern following their victory.
Jose Mourinho’s miserable record at St James’ continued yesterday afternoon as his side suffered their 5th defeat of the season against the resilient Magpies. Matt Ritchie scored the deciding goal of the game in the 65th minute when he emphatically placed the ball beyond a sprawling De Gea after Dwight Gayle had intelligently knocked the ball down for him inside the penalty area.
In terms of Newcastle’s survival hopes, the result was absolutely huge as defeat against United would have left them inside the relegation zone in 18th place.
There were plenty of standout performers in black and white yesterday who were all worthy of being singled out for individual praise.
Martin Dubravka had an excellent debut between the sticks and thoroughly deserved his clean sheet, whilst Jamaal Lascelles resembled nothing less than a brick wall at the heart of Newcastle’s defence, but it was Jonjo Shelvey who deservedly received the highest level of praise on Twitter for his starring role next to Mohamed Diame in central midfield.
Shelvey (valued at £9 million by Transfermarkt) was brilliant in every aspect of his performance as he pulled the strings with his passing ability and demonstrated a genuine determination to recover possession when the Red Devils were on the attack.
The former Liverpool employee put in his most complete performance of the season, and plenty of the supporters will be hoping he can build on his performance in the coming weeks and drive his side to safety this season.
Here’s what the Newcastle fans had to say about Shelvey’s match-winning performance on Twitter…
https://twitter.com/LFCStanleyHouse/status/962718041892179968
https://twitter.com/joel_archie/status/962720153040547841
That’s the Jonjo Shelvey we need. Absolutely everywhere today. Never stopped. Diame too, a revelation.
— Taylor Not Besty (@TaylorandBesty) February 11, 2018
Never seen him play like that. Was a joy.
— Michael Dante Halton (@MDHalton) February 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/Cliffy_Toon/status/962722165148868608
Totally agree. Shelvey was here, there and everywhere. Blocking and tackling with a calm head.
— Run Geordie Run (@rungeordierun) February 11, 2018
Great result for Newcastle, Jonjo Shelvey and Jamaal Lascelles absolutely outstanding there, Rafa tactics spot on
— Darren Farley (@DFImpressionist) February 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/dannysherls11/status/962770343483117568
Well deserved man of the match.
— Jimmy Kavanagh (@KavanaghJimmy) February 11, 2018
Often been a critic but Shelvey was just outstanding today. Totally controlled performance ( no petulant red mist ) just a great display of leading by example and top quality passing. Well done.
— David Wright (@Craghopper283) February 11, 2018
Diame has been an absolute warhorse of late. Credit to the skipper Lascelles for challenging him and credit to him for stepping up! Elsewhere today. Dubravka sensational… But Shelvey with performances like that mate!… We'll finish top half. #nufc
— Pete Graves (@PeteGravesTV) February 11, 2018
