Liverpool fans are tearing into one star after their performance against Newcastle. The Reds were largely second best at St James’ Park, but goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike either side of an Anthony Gordon red card, followed by a 100th-minute winner from 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, were enough for Arne Slot’s side to make it two wins from two in the Premier League season.
While the result was beneficial for the defending champions, the performance left much to be desired and cast doubt on Arne Slot’s second-season revolution on Merseyside. However, one player in particular drew widespread criticism from supporters.
Jones criticised by Liverpool fans
Throughout the game, particularly in the first half hour, the visitors repeatedly lost the midfield fight as Newcastle’s intensity placed Slot’s side under siege. Curtis Jones was one player who supporters thought struggled the most. Jones lined up beside Ryan Gravenberch and, statistically, appeared to perform well.
In a combative performance, the England international completed 89% of his passes and won all of his ground duels, but he also missed a great scoring opportunity. He made four tackles and completed all of his dribbles.
However, despite the statistics, Jones did not appear to pass the eye test, according to Reds fans on social media.
“You wouldn’t even know Curtis Jones was performing. “Contributed nothing,” wrote one, while another remarked, “Curtis Jones is such a tough watch.”
A third person commented, “Curtis Jones has been invisible all game!” While a fourth contended that Gordon’s red card had no impact on the game since “Liverpool play with 10 men every time Curtis Jones is on the pitch, so Newcastle’s red card evens out.”
Several people made the same statement, with another adding: “10 vs 10. “Fair,” while a sixth said: “Lol it’s 10 against 10, Curtis Jones is not on the pitch.”
Jones was replaced by youngster Ngumoha during the 11 minutes of added time, and the teenager quickly had a bigger impression than his more senior teammate, scoring a late winner against the run of play to salvage another more late points for the reigning champions.
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