Newcastle United produced a dogged display against Sheffield United to move up to 11th place in the Premier League on Thursday evening. There was plenty of good news for Magpies manager Steve Bruce as Andy Carroll made his first start of the season, with a wonderful performance as the focal attacking point. Meanwhile, Martin Dubravka produced a string of outstanding saves to keep Newcastle in front, but of the outfield players, one looked a cut above the rest, and that was Jonjo Shelvey.
The former Liverpool and Swansea midfielder has been in exquisite form since he was reintroduced to the side by Steve Bruce. After his slightly fortuitous goal against Sheffield United, where Newcastle were incorrectly flagged offside in the buildup, he is now the teams top scorer by two clear goals, on four, but there was so much more to his game at Bramall Lane.
A criticism that has often been levelled at Shelvey is that he is lazy when it comes to defensive responsibilities, that cannot be said for his performance against the side who had the second-best defensive record in the Premier League heading into this fixture. The midfielder made two tackles, a joint team-high which was only bettered by Oliver McBurnie of anyone on the pitch, along with an interception and a clearance showing he was back amongst the action when out of possession. Shelvey even put his body on the line to block a Sheffield United shot, something only Paul Dummett and Federico Fernandez also achieved for the Magpies.
Sheffield United had seven players who made more passes than Shelvey’s 33, Newcastle’s highest, but only Billy Sharp managed to make more key passes during the encounter. It shows while Bruce’s style is direct, his English midfielder is ruthlessly efficient in possession.
Meanwhile, nobody in a Newcastle shirt took more shots than the midfielder, Shelvey had two, both of which were on target and his alertness to finish after being flagged offside sealed victory for the Magpies.
Bruce’s decision to reintroduce Shelvey to the starting lineup has been an inspired one but making sure it last will be the most challenging aspect. However, for now, Shelvey is in outstanding form helping Newcastle secure four points from their previous two matches.
