Lots of Newcastle fans have suggested that Jonjo Shelvey is getting carried away when he said that he wants to target the European spaces at St. James’ Park this season.
Speaking after his team’s impressive 2-1 victory against Southampton yesterday, he has urged his side to look upwards rather than over their shoulders as they attack the rest of the season.
Despite Toon not qualifying for European football since 2012, the 27-year-old has not put the Europa League out of contention for this campaign.
Shelvey added another goal to his tally when he managed to score a vital equaliser for the Tyneside club in the 68th minute before Federico Fernandez scored the winner for the home side with just a few minutes remaining. The central midfielder now has five Premier League goals this campaign – more than twice the amount of any other player in his team.
Speaking to the press (via Chronicle Live), he said: “We want to push as high as we can and get into the Europa League spots. That is obviously the aim.
“But first of all we need to get this club to safety and go from there.
“In my opinion there is no reason why we can’t get this club back into European football.
“What a place it would be next year if we were in Europe and travelling all over the world.”
Have Toon improved under Bruce?
Yes
No
Plenty of supporters did seem to put Shelvey’s claims on ice, though, claiming that they really shouldn’t be getting carried away – as you can see from the replies below…
Just avoid relegation and I’m happy
— Chill with some Soy (@Chillsoy) December 9, 2019
Get a grip, playing badly so just accept the good fortune of picking up points and move on. Revisit this quote at the end of January and see if it is still relevant.
— Michael Stanley (@Plasmadreamer) December 9, 2019
Mike Ashley reading this. pic.twitter.com/cIMzX5Ig0l
— Hollie Taylor (@Geordie_Hollie7) December 9, 2019
Somebody tell him and the chronicle please…..
— Graham Watson (@GrahamW87907976) December 9, 2019
Ashley is targeting 17th place
— Fozzie (@Fozzie94) December 9, 2019
Purple patch…there is only so long you can ‘ grind out results ‘ when you have a non existent attack and average 25/30% possession.
— Nathan₯ (@Draaaapes) December 9, 2019
Despite there being plenty who still aren’t particularly happy with the way in which the team are playing, the league table doesn’t lie. From 16 games, the club has amounted 22 points and are now seven clear of 18th and just two short of fifth, meaning there aren’t many reasons for frowns in Newcastle.