Alan Shearer delivers his honest opinion as Newcastle lose 2-0 against Bournemouth

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Newcastle United were beaten in convincing fashion by Bournemouth on Saturday night, much to the disappointment of Toon legend Alan Shearer.

Eddie Howe‘s return to his former club was not a happy one, as Newcastle‘s unbeaten run came to an end courtesy of a Dominic Solanke brace. He scored twice as Bournemouth won 2-0 at the Vitality Stadium.

A depleted Newcastle team arrived on the south coast with limited options, while they also looked for a way to win without the suspended Bruno Guimaraes. Lewis Miley took his place in midfield, as the 17-year-old made his first ever Premier League start.

The teenager was tidy, but was part of a Newcastle team that were really poor. There was also a fresh injury concern, with Miguel Almiron being forced off in the first half.

Newcastle’s lack of options was crippling, but Alan Shearer has refused to use it as the only reason for the Magpies’ defeat.

Alan Shearer admits Newcastle were ‘nowhere near it’ against Bournemouth

Following the 2-0 loss to Bournemouth, Shearer took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to give his reaction.

He wrote: “By far the better team won on the night. Newcastle have injuries and suspensions, but they were really poor and nowhere near it. Well done Bournemouth.”

Awful performance from Newcastle on Saturday night

The injuries and suspensions played a part in what was a shocking performance from Eddie Howe’s side. Newcastle never got to grips with the game, as they were dominated by a Bournemouth side that had only won once this season prior to Saturday night’s game.

There was a first Premier League start for Miley, a first Premier League start in a Newcastle shirt for Lewis Hall, a competitive debut for Ben Parkinson, and a lengthy outing for veteran Matt Ritchie. That tells you how depleted the Toon squad is right now.

The international break comes at a good time, because Newcastle’s squad is stretched beyond belief. The players are either injured, suspended, inexperienced or absolutely shattered. The likes of Kieran Trippier, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon were well below their usual standards during the loss to Bournemouth.

Nick Pope was the only Newcastle player who impressed. It probably would have been more than two had it not been for him.

The Magpies were well off the required level, and deserved absolutely nothing from the game. As Shearer says, Bournemouth were the better team by a long way and were more than worthy of the three points.