While Newcastle United fans were celebrating yet another victory, Jonjo Shelvey was apologising for his role in the latest triumph.
Eddie Howe’s side beat Brighton 2-1 on Saturday afternoon, but this win was very different to the one a week earlier against Brentford.
Last week they were dominant against Thomas Frank’s side, dictating the play following an early red card. Newcastle had 63% possession versus Brentford – that’s a lot of the ball considering the anti-football we’d grown used to under Steve Bruce.
But Newcastle were back to barely touching the ball on Saturday. Brighton were in complete control for large parts, and will feel disappointed that they left the North East with nothing. They had 68% of the ball, but the most important stat was ‘Newcastle United 2 Brighton 1’.
The Magpies dug in to grind out a victory, making it eight Premier League outings without defeat. Newcastle are now seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Jonjo Shelvey apologises
It was another weekend of celebration for Toon fans, but not for Shelvey.
In a statement on the club’s official Twitter account, Shelvey said: “We weren’t at our best yesterday but sometimes you have to grind out results – credit to Brighton.
“I apologise for my own performance. I’ve actually watched the game back twice but I dug deep and am proud of my team for doing the same.”
It was a statement that received a response from Toon midfielder Isaac Hayden, who waxed lyrical about Shelvey’s ability.
New standards and attitude at Newcastle United
The fact we’ve got Newcastle players apologising after a win and an eighth game without defeat shows the complete shift of attitude at the club.
Standards have been raised by the new owners and by manager Eddie Howe. He’s getting so much more out of the players, guiding them away from relegation danger over the past month.
The 30-year-old had no reason to apologise. He wasn’t that bad in all honesty. I can’t imagine many people left St James’ Park on Saturday thinking ‘wow, the skipper had a stinker, didn’t he?’.
But it says a lot about the high standards he sets himself, and the new standards within the team. Even in victory, there isn’t total satisfaction. There is still a need to be better and improve.
That’s what Howe has instilled into his team, and it’s fantastic to witness.
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