Shelvey has become a vital player for Newcastle and at his best would be hard for England to ignore Geoff Caddick/Getty ImagesAs the game ended, the weight of Newcastle United’s victory became apparent. Another win — their fourth in succession — lifted them to 41 points, one more than the target that Rafa Benítez had set this season and St James’ Park, already loud and boisterous, exhaled. Arsenal had been beaten 2-1 and the manager and his players walked to the Gallowgate End to receive and return applause. Except this being Benítez, that most meticulous of tutors, no mission is ever truly accomplished. There is always an improvement to make and, even in this moment of celebration, as the Spaniard strode from the pitch, he draped an arm around Jonjo Shelvey’s shoulders.

Source: The Times April 18, 2018 15:56 UTC