Before Newcastle United pulled off one of their results of the season at home to Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, drawing 2-2 with the current Premier League champions despite possessing a much less heralded squad, supporters were hesitant over midfielder Jonjo Shelvey starting the game at St. James’ Park before his late heroics.
Two stunners from Raheem Sterling and Jetro Willems cancelled each other out in the first half when the two sides went into the break level-pegging and supporters had to wait until the final ten minutes to see any more action – with a blockbuster strike from Kevin De Bruyne putting City into a deserved lead.
However, polarising midfield maestro Shelvey got to have the final say – feeding off a short free-kick just outside the area to arrow a brilliant drive past Ederson into the bottom corner, thereby sending the Gallowgate End into raptures.
When the line-up was announced, it looked as if many supporters had their reservations about Shelvey starting – with some citing his poor work ethic and lack of tracking as a reason he should’ve been left out.
After the Englishman stepped up and nicked a crucial point for the Magpies, some of these fans will be regretting their choice of words.
Here’s what they said on Twitter prior to the match.
Shelvey will be a passenger as he was against Villa. Going to get overrun.
— The Town Moore (@MaTTmOOre1992) November 30, 2019
Can’t play shelvey in this game in my opinion way too lazy off the ball surely get the longstaffs in alongside Hayden and let maximin and joelinton upfront try and produce summin. Surely will cost us at least 1 goal in this game guaranteed.
— sean huggins (@seanhuggins2) November 30, 2019
There is no way Shelvey should be starting. Poor off the ball and not much better on the ball last week
— BillinghamMag (@BillinghamMag) November 30, 2019
How can Shelvey play after his abject display against Villa .. what message does that send to the Longstaff brothers ?
— stuart proud (@stuventusx) November 30, 2019
Schar and Sean should be starting for Dummet and Jonjo in my opinion and Gayle should be given at least 30 mins unless big Jo is on a hat trick 🤞🏻
— Ian Solo (@IanSolo75) November 30, 2019
Lots of pointing and standing still from Shelvey as silva runs past him for the first of many goals today
— LeeTheMag (@LeeTheMag) November 30, 2019
