Alan Shearer Voices Concerns Over Newcastle United’s Recent Form

Alan Shearer has expressed his concern over Newcastle United’s recent performances, particularly their lack of consistency, following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Brentford on Saturday.

Appearing on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer, a legendary figure at St James’ Park, admitted that he was “slightly worried” about the direction the club is heading. This came after Gary Lineker, his colleague on Match Of The Day, noted Shearer’s visible frustration with the team’s recent display, describing him as “grumpy” on Saturday afternoon.

“I’m slightly worried about what I’m seeing from Newcastle,” Shearer said. “I know they were brilliant against Liverpool. They were really competitive, edgy, had energy, and everything. But you can’t just turn up in those big games. That’s what Newcastle are doing, and I don’t like the look of that. It doesn’t sit easy with me.”

Shearer acknowledged the positive performances Newcastle had delivered in high-profile fixtures this season, such as their thrilling displays against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal. However, he was critical of their inconsistent form, particularly in games where they failed to match the intensity expected at home.

“You can’t get away with not working hard at home in front of your own fans against the big teams,” he added. “Their results against Man City – draw, beat Arsenal, Liverpool – draw, they beat Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, beat Tottenham at home. Big games at home, you have to turn up at St James’ Park, otherwise the fans won’t accept it.”

Shearer’s biggest frustration came after the team’s lackluster performance against Brentford. Despite the visitors having talented attacking players like Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, Shearer was unimpressed with Newcastle’s defensive display. “But you can’t do what they did at the weekend,” he said. “You can’t not work hard. Defensively, they were a shambles against Brentford. I know they’ve got really good players up front at Brentford with Mbeumo and Wissa. They’re really good and exciting, but the way Newcastle defended and the lack of energy and pressing didn’t sit easy with me.”