Newcastle United’s 4-2 defeat to Brentford has drawn sharp criticism from club legend Alan Shearer, who described the team’s performance as “dreadful” and raised concerns over their lack of energy and defensive discipline. Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, Shearer didn’t hold back, highlighting several worrying trends in Eddie Howe’s team.
“Unacceptable” Performance
Shearer called out the inconsistency in Newcastle’s performances, noting that while they’ve managed impressive results against top teams like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal, their energy and attitude in other games have been lacking.
“You can’t just turn up in the big home games,” Shearer remarked, underscoring that the team’s defensive errors and lack of pressing against Brentford were a far cry from the high-energy displays of two years ago.
Defensive Fragility
Shearer singled out defensive lapses as a major concern:
- Fabian Schär: Criticized for failing to engage Brentford attackers and allowing them too much space.
- Lewis Hall: Questioned for his positioning and lack of impact in critical moments.
- Harvey Barnes: Highlighted for a costly error leading to a Brentford goal.
“These mistakes are not just technical—they’re about focus and determination,” Shearer added, warning that the team’s defensive shortcomings could derail their season.
A Decline in Energy
What worries Shearer most is the noticeable drop in energy and pressing. He contrasted the current team with the Newcastle of two years ago, when their relentless pressing and energy were their hallmark.
“No one gets within five yards of any Brentford player,” Shearer lamented. “That’s not good enough; that’s not acceptable.”
The Road Ahead
Newcastle now sit 12th in the Premier League, winless in four games. While Eddie Howe has not faced any public pressure from the club’s ownership, performances like these could test the patience of fans and stakeholders.
For Howe, the challenge will be restoring the team’s defensive solidity and reigniting the energy and commitment that previously made Newcastle a formidable opponent.
