Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has given his assessment of the Magpies’ 2-1 loss to Sunderland, branding their second-half performance “pathetic” and “weak”.
Alan Shearer gives his verdict on Newcastle vs Sunderland defeat at St James’ Park (Image: Getty Images)
Manager Alan Shearer delivered a clear verdict after his former club lost 2-1, criticizing Newcastle United’s second-half performance against Sunderland as “pathetic” and “weak”.
Eddie Howe’s side went into half-time with a 1-0 advantage thanks to Anthony Gordon’s 10th-minute goal and were the dominant side as Sunderland struggled to threaten Aaron Ramsdale’s goal.
However, the Black Cats improved their performance in the second half and took control of the game. Sunderland forced Newcastle into their own half and scored a deserved equalizer in the 57th minute with Kemsuddin Talbi scoring from close range after blocking Brian Brobbey’s shot.
Despite Regis Le Bris’ side continuing to dominate the match, Newcastle believed they had regained the lead when Malick Thiau headed past goalkeeper Melcar Elborg. However, referee Anthony Taylor ruled that Jacob Murphy was offside and had interfered with Elborg and ruled the goal null and void.
read more: Newcastle and Sunderland fans clash in violent scenes minutes before kick-offread more: Sunderland hit a double in the Tyne Wear derby against Newcastle as Brian Brobbey hits the final goal.
In the end, Blobby scored the winning goal in the 90th minute, clinching the match 2-1 for Sunderland. ChronicleLive reported that the Dutchman found the back of the net on his second attempt after his first shot was saved.
Considering Sunderland’s expected goals (xG) of 2.45 compared to Newcastle’s 1.45, more shots, shots on target and significant chances, the statistics suggest the Black Cats are deserving winners.
From Newcastle’s perspective, there was a clear difference in performance between the first half and the second half, and Magpies icon Shearer didn’t hesitate to give his verdict on social media.
In a post on X, a furious Shearer wrote: “Newcastle’s pathetic, weak, lazy, limp second half is here again #NEWSUN.”
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Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher shared his thoughts and praised Sunderland’s second half performance.
“It’s been 10 years since I played at St James’s Park in the Premier League and Newcastle just can’t beat Sunderland,” the former Liverpool defender told Sky Sports.
“What a moment for them. They probably never dreamed they could beat Newcastle for the last four or five years. Their amazing run in the play-offs last season, beating their biggest rivals to complete the double, is one of the best moments that their young fans will remember.”
Newcastle were criticized for their second-half performance against Sunderland at St James’ Park (Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Sunderland’s victory moves them above Newcastle into 11th place in the Premier League, leaving them just three points behind seventh-placed Brentford in the race to remain in Europe.
Sunderland’s next game will be against Tottenham three weeks later on Sunday 12th April, with Newcastle traveling to Crystal Palace on the same day.
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