The dire form of Newcastle United was a source of light-hearted jousting between Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker
Gary Lineker exploded into laughter after Alan Shearer's comment
Gary Lineker exploded into laughter after Alan Shearer's comment(Image: @therestisfootball/Youtube)
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Alan Shearer's damning indictment of Newcastle's chances against Arsenal left Gary Lineker in a fit of laughter.
The Magpies suffered a third straight Premier League loss on Saturday when falling to a 2-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth. Yet another disappointing result in a surprisingly shocking season for last year's EFL Cup champions, it was Newcastle's eighth home defeat in 11 matches and a fifth loss in their last six home league fixtures.
Languishing in 14th place with just five games left of the season, the remaining fixtures could be a springboard into next season but Shearer isn't holding out much hope in their next clash which sees them travel to Arsenal on Saturday.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the Magpies icon was discussing the Gunners' 2-1 defeat to Manchester City and the consequences it could hold for Mikel Arteta's side ahead of the last month of the season.
Lineker said: "Arsenal have lost four of the last six matches in all competitions. They need a result. I know they got through in the Champions League and we forget that a little bit because of the nature and it was a bit of a bore draw, wasn't it?
"If they missed out on everything, it'd be a a massive blow but they're certainly getting closer. They've got a chance in the Champions League, it's going to be really difficult but they definitely have a chance."
Shearer then chimed in with a light-hearted prod at his club, as he said: "The good news for Arsenal is they've got Newcastle next weekend who are absolutely s***" which saw Lineker burst out laughing, alongside Micah Richards.
(Image: @therestisfootball/Youtube)
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The ex-Spurs striker then replied: "You're not happy, Al. He's not happy, I was going to come to that later." Magpies boss Eddie Howe admitted after Saturday's defeat that his side's consistent losses have become a "pattern".
Howe stated: "In recent weeks we’ve become too easy to beat; there was no reason for us to lose this game. There wasn’t too much between the teams today but we haven’t done well enough in the big moments. It’s becoming a pattern. But, of course, the situation can be turned round."
Regarded as one of the best managers in the Premier League, Howe has endured his worst season at St James' Park since his arrival in 2021. Speaking on Howe's future in the North East, Shearer claimed he believes the Englishman won't be managing Newcastle next season, as he accused the players of "chucking him under the bus".
Dejected Newcastle United players after the 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth
Newcastle fell to a 2-1 defeat at St James' Park on Saturday(Image: PA)
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"As tough as it is for Eddie, I don't know what is going to happen with him," the 55-year-old said. "I listened to his interview afterwards and I watched him on the touchline and I just think is he going to want to go again? Is he going to get the chance to go again?
"There are so many moving parts with it for him. If all things are equal then, yes, I would like him to [stay]. But does he feel as if he is going to have the chance? Does he want to do it again? Are Newcastle going to have to sell?
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"If he has money to spend and he doesn't have to sell then, yeah. But I looked at the players yesterday and if that was what they call fighting for their manager because he is under huge pressure. Whether you like it or not. They were terrible. They chucked him under the bus, the players. The performance was c--p from every single one of them.
"It is a tough situation, a tough summer for Newcastle coming up. They have got some big decisions to make. As I am sat here, I don't see Eddie in charge of Newcastle next season, unfortunately.