Alan Shearer is worried about Newcastle United ahead of facing Liverpool on Wednesday night.
Eddie Howe’s side conceded a late equaliser at Selhurst Park on Saturday, as Newcastle United drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace.
It was extremely frustrating. A draw felt like a defeat for Newcastle, despite the Magpies not playing well enough to earn a victory.
Newcastle were poor in front of goal once again, failing to record a single shot on target. The fact Newcastle had to rely on a Marc Guehi own goal speaks volumes.
The Magpies struggled to create anything after Alexander Isak’s injury, and the hope will be that he is fit enough to face Liverpool at St James’ Park on Wednesday night.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United goes down injured during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Newcastle United FC at Selhurst ...
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Alan Shearer shares his honest verdict on Newcastle United
Whether Isak is available or not, Newcastle’s lack of goals is concerning.
That is the view of Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer, who was asked about the Magpies’ current situation on The Rest Is Football podcast by Gary Lineker.
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“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,” he said.
“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.
“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.
“And 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.
“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.”
Why Newcastle should not be fearful of Liverpool fixture
Newcastle United have struggled since returning after the international break. A defeat to West Ham and a draw with Crystal Palace leaves them down in 11th, although they are only four points behind second.
It is still a very congested Premier League, except for right at the top. After beating Manchester City on Sunday, Liverpool have a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Arne Slot has only lost one league game this season, as his Liverpool side prepare to head to Tyneside.
That is a concern for Newcastle, who have a terrible record against the Reds. The last time Newcastle beat Liverpool was 2015 when Steve McClaren was manager.
History is not on the Magpies’ side, but Toon fans can take some confidence from the fact that their team have played much better against the ‘big six’ this season, particularly at home.
Newcastle have beaten Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea (in the Carabao Cup), while they also drew with Manchester City.
Howe’s side have proven they can be up for it against the big boys, and the fact it is an evening game underneath the lights at St James’ Park could prove to be an advantage.
Then again, we said the same ahead of last week’s game with West Ham…
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