Alan Shearer Voices Concerns Over Newcastle United’s Struggles
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has expressed serious concerns about the team’s current form and lack of goals this season. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast alongside Gary Lineker, Shearer didn’t hold back in assessing the Magpies’ struggles, particularly in the attacking department.
Reflecting on Newcastle’s performances so far, Shearer said:
> “I am [concerned], yeah, because what have they got? Well, I think they’ve got 14 goals they’ve scored in 13 games. Three of them were away to Forest.”
Shearer highlighted the contrast between this season’s performances and the energy and pressing that had characterized Newcastle in recent years.
> “Last year or maybe the year before, so many times we spoke about Newcastle, their energy, their pressing, how they got after you. And I don’t see a lot of that. It’s pretty worrying, particularly in the final third.”
Injuries and tactical decisions have compounded Newcastle’s struggles. Alexander Isak’s injury during a recent game was a significant blow, and Shearer questioned manager Eddie Howe’s choice to delay bringing Callum Wilson into play.
> “I mean, Isak went off injured. He chose not to put Wilson on at that time. He brought him on with about 15, 20 minutes to go.”
Shearer emphasized that Newcastle’s woes can’t rest solely on Isak or Wilson, calling for more contribution from other players in the squad.
> “Other players have to start and score goals. Gordon has to score more. Barnes has to score more. Joelinton does have to. Willock has to. Isak has four or five in the league this season.”
Shearer’s hope for Isak to return quickly for Newcastle’s upcoming clash with Liverpool underscores the urgency of the situation. However, he admitted the overall outlook remains grim.
> “I hope he’s not too badly injured and can play on Wednesday against Liverpool. So, yeah, it’s definitely concerning, absolutely. And like Aston Villa, Newcastle, I think, in the bottom half, maybe 11th or 12th in the league. So, yeah, not great from Newcastle. They have to improve.”
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The Challenge Ahead: Why Liverpool Might Be Newcastle’s Turning Point
Newcastle United’s return from the international break has been underwhelming, to say the least. A defeat to West Ham followed by a frustrating draw against Crystal Palace has left Eddie Howe’s side languishing in 11th place. Despite the dip in form, the table remains tightly packed, with Newcastle just four points off second place.
But while the Premier League as a whole may feel congested, Liverpool have surged ahead as early title favorites. After a statement victory over Manchester City, Liverpool now boast a nine-point lead at the top, with Arne Slot’s side losing just one league game all season.
This sets up a daunting task for Newcastle, whose record against Liverpool has been abysmal in recent years. The last time Newcastle defeated the Reds in the league was back in 2015 under Steve McClaren’s management – a far cry from the current era under Howe.
Yet, there’s reason for cautious optimism. Newcastle have fared surprisingly well against the so-called “big six” this season, especially on home turf. Victories over Tottenham and Arsenal, as well as a Carabao Cup triumph against Chelsea, demonstrate that Howe’s men can rise to the occasion. They even held Manchester City to a draw earlier in the campaign, showing they are no strangers to battling top-tier opposition.
The stage is set for another big performance under the lights at St. James’ Park, where the home crowd will undoubtedly play a crucial role in lifting the team. Evening games often bring an electric atmosphere, something Newcastle fans and players will hope to harness against Liverpool.
However, the inconsistency that has plagued Newcastle this season cannot be ignored. While they’ve proven they can go toe-to-toe with the league’s elite, their slip-ups against teams like West Ham and Crystal Palace highlight a troubling lack of consistency.
For Newcastle, the match against Liverpool isn’t just an opportunity to secure three points but a chance to reset and rediscover the fire that made them one of the league’s most exciting teams in recent years. Whether they can rise to the occasion or succumb to the weight of recent struggles remains to be seen.
