Alan Shearer brutally rips into “pathetic” Newcastle after Sunderland defeat

Alan Shearer did not hold back after Newcastle United’s 2-1 loss against rivals Sunderland, delivering a brutal verdict.

Newcastle suffer Tyne-Wear defeat

The Magpies initially came out swinging at St James’ Park. Not only were they after revenge from their 1-0 defeat earlier this season, but they also had a point to prove after a 7-2 drubbing at the hands of Barcelona in midweek.

Like in Barcelona, it wasn’t long before they found the back of the net as a result of their fast start. This time, it came courtesy of Luke O’Nien, whose misplaced pass could only find Nick Woltemade, before the German found Anthony Gordon.

With plenty left to do, the Newcastle star evaded incoming challengers before slotting past Melker Ellborg to give his side a deserved lead.

It was his third goal in three games and it looked as though he had given Newcastle the platform for a memorable day in Tyeneside. The second-half that followed looked all too familiar for those at St James’ Park, however.

First came the equaliser from Chemsdine Talbi after some disappointing defending from Sunderland’s corner allowed the winger to bundle home. Then came the frustrating Newcastle response. For the first time, Eddie Howe’s men looked like a side who had been run ragged by Barcelona less than a week ago.

Whilst Newcastle looked shattered, Sunderland remained tireless and Brian Brobbey eventually took full advantage to score the latest winner in Tyne-Wear derby history.

Shearer slams “pathetic” Newcastle

It’s now over a decade since Newcastle defeated their rivals in the Premier League and club legend Shearer did not hold back. The former striker ripped into Howe’s side with a 10-word rant – saying that it was a “pathetic, weak, lazy, limp second half from Newcastle again”.

It doesn’t get much more damning than that for those in Tyneside, who are now below their rivals in the Premier League. Where they go from here with seven games left to play in the Premier League is now the big question, especially after such a disastrous week.

Having his say on the defeat, Howe said: “Very painful, painful for supporters. They’re the ones I’m thinking of. Very little to use as an excuse. We expect to be criticised so I understand the reaction at the end.

“I’m fully committed to the job. I’m disappointed with my delivery today and this week. Today was even tougher than Barcelona. I absorb the blame — I won’t be deflecting it to players until my last breath. It’s going to be a painful few days for me.

“It’s not a head loss. Our technical delivery was off today. We missed our midfielders, so it left us unbalanced. We made the game too much like they wanted it.

“We never want to go through a hostile reception from crowd. I understand the criticism.”