Newcastle United fans have criticised Jonjo Shelvey for his part in the Magpies’ 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Wednesday evening.
The Toon were held at St. James’ Park despite Dwight Gayle giving Steve Bruce’s side the lead on 68 minutes.
The visitors found an equaliser through Ahmed Elmohamady with just seven minutes of normal time to play, denying the hosts of all three points. Newcastle are now on 39 points in the Premier League this season, just a point off the magic 40-point mark often said to be the benchmark for surviving the drop.
Clearly disappointed by the result, a sample of the club’s faithful have taken to social media to single out midfielder Shelvey for criticism. The 28-year-old played a full part in the game and here is what some fans made of his display:
Shelvey being a lazy boy cost us two points tbqh #nufc
— Gav ???? (@GS87_) June 24, 2020
Thought shelvey was poor tonight. Couldn’t make a tackle tried & failed with too many Hollywood balls & terrible for the goal #nufc Hope Longstaff is fit soon
— Chris Currie (@Wig82) June 24, 2020
Shelvey was a joke in that second half #nufc
— Tor (@torbennett_) June 24, 2020
Was Jonjo Shelvey Newcastle's worst player versus Aston Villa?
Yes
No
According to WhoScored.com, Shelvey’s performance versus Villa earned him a rating of 6.7/10, but in the eyes of those watching on, he failed to impress. Fans continued to share their views on the former Liverpool man.
Shelvey is absolutely useless man ???????????????? #nufc
— Natasha ???? | Black lives matter (@NatashaNUFC) June 24, 2020
Players were tired. Shelvey looked knackered. It wasn’t a terrible performance but certainly could’ve been better. ASM is a top-six player. Generally did something every time he gets the ball to feet. On with the takeover…
— zillashots (@zillashots) June 24, 2020
Jonjo Shelvey is simply lazy #nufc
— Matt Burn (@mattburn44) June 24, 2020
Shelvey utter donkey! #NUFC #NUFCtakeover
— JordxnT (@JxrdanT97) June 24, 2020
Shelvey looks like he can’t be bothered #NUFC
— Dan (@DZ1892) June 24, 2020
Shelvey’s average performance rating in the Premier League this season currently stands at 7.05/10 (via WhoScored.com), which suggests he had an off-night versus the Villans. He has been Steve Bruce’s second-most consistent performer, only behind Allan Saint-Maximin, so although he wasn’t anywhere near his best, overall, you could argue he has had a strong season.