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Jonjo Shelvey returned to Newcastle United’s line-up at the perfect time

By Roy Emanuel

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United at Vitality Stadium on February 24, 2018 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United at Vitality Stadium on February 24, 2018 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United’s midfield maestro made beautiful music versus Southampton, even though he was playing with pain.

Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez earned three points on Saturday thanks to a complete team effort, in a 3-0 win against Southampton. Kenedy and Matt Ritchie brought the goals, but there was a significant improvement in midfield play because of Jonjo Shelvey’s return from injury.

The English international missed the Magpies’ previous match at Liverpool, as Mohamed Diame and Mikel Merino struggled to keep up with the Reds’ quality. Shelvey’s presence this past weekend was felt immediately in a positive manner, as he notched two assists in the game.

The first for Kenedy’s opener was nothing short of magnificent, with a long pass forward finished off beautifully by the Brazilian. His second saw the result confirmed in the second half, with Ritchie’s strike sealing three points at home.

The effort and desire that Shelvey showed throughout the afternoon was extremely impressive. The knee injury that he suffered against Bournemouth was expected to keep him out longer, but the midfielder battled back ahead of schedule.

The 26-year-old went to great lengths to ensure that he could play, even taking an injection for the pain prior to kick-off.

Team spirit was lifted

While the fans may not have known about how much pain Shelvey was in, his team-mates certainly did and they responded in an incredible way.

There was an intangible missing at Anfield. The Magpies have been able to bring competition to big clubs this season, like in their win against Manchester United. However, perhaps it has been Shelvey’s play in the middle that allows for that to happen.

Winning possession, accurate passes and a non-stop attitude in defending were all a part of what he attacked the Saints with.

Next: Two years of Rafa Benitez at Newcastle United

Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez knew they had to have three points on Saturday, and Jonjo Shelvey wasn’t going to let a bit of pain stop that from taking place at St. James’ Park.