Alan Shearer has lambasted Newcastle United's second-half performance against Sunderland, as the Magpies were beaten 2-1 at St James' Park
Newcastle United and Sunderland went to battle on Sunday afternoon
Newcastle United were beaten 2-1 at home to Sunderland(Image: Getty Images)
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Alan Shearer pulled no punches as he delivered a brutally blunt assessment of Newcastle United's second-half performance against Sunderland, branding it as "pathetic" and "weak".
Eddie Howe's side went into half-time with a 1-0 lead through Anthony Gordon's 10th-minute strike and were the better side, with Sunderland not offering much going forward.
But the Black Cats came out as a different team in the second 45 and dominated from the get-go. They pinned Newcastle into their own half and found a deserved equaliser in the 57th minute, as Chemsdine Talbi tapped home from close-range after Brian Brobbey's effort was blocked.
Although Regis Le Bris' outfit continued to control the game, Newcastle thought they had retaken the lead as Malick Thiaw powered a header beyond goalkeeper Melker Ellborg. But referee Anthony Taylor disallowed the goal as it was viewed that Jacob Murphy was in an offside position and blocked Ellborg.
And it was Sunderland who went on to win the game 2-1 with Brobbey the match-winner in the 90th minute, as the Netherlands international fired home at the second attempt after having his first shot saved.
With Sunderland creating 2.45 expected goals (xG) compared to Newcastle's 1.45 and having more shots, shots on target and big chances, the Black Cats deserved to win based on the statistics.
From Newcastle's perspective, there was a complete contrast in performance from the first to the second half, and Magpies legend Shearer didn't mince his words with his assessment on social media.
In a post on X, a furious Shearer said: "A pathetic, weak, lazy, limp second half from Newcastle again #NEWSUN."
A dejected Eddie Howe at full time after derby defeat against Sunderland at St James' Park
A dejected Eddie Howe at full time after derby defeat against Sunderland at St James' Park
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Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, delivered his verdict and praised Sunderland for the response after half-time. "[It is] 10 years since they have played at St James' Park in the Premier League, and Newcastle just cannot beat Sunderland," the ex-Liverpool defender told Sky Sports.
"What a moment for them, probably never dreamed in these last four or five years that they could beat Newcastle. Got up surprising through the play-offs last season, and to do the double over their biggest rivals, one of the best moments their young fans will remember."
The win for Sunderland has seen them move above Newcastle in the Premier League table and up to 11th, now just three points behind seventh-place Brentford in the race for a European spot.
Next up for Sunderland is a fixture against Tottenham in three weeks' time on Sunday, April 12, while Newcastle travel to Crystal Palace on the same day.