Alan Shearer breaks silence with brutal verdict on Newcastle United’s ‘poor’ performance against Fulham

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Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer was not happy with Eddie Howe’s side against Fulham.

It was a disappointing day inside St James’ Park, as Newcastle lost 2-1 to Fulham. That was despite going in front in the first half thanks to Jacob Murphy.

Newcastle United crumbled, with Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz handing Fulham a comeback victory on Tyneside.

Toon fans were not happy, and neither was Eddie Howe. It was a really disappointing collapse, just days before the biggest game of the season against Arsenal. To make matters worse, Joelinton is an injury concern after coming off on Saturday.

Alan Shearer reacts to Newcastle United’s loss against Fulham

But Newcastle United fell below expectations against Fulham, and Toon legend Alan Shearer has told The Rest Is Football podcast that the Magpies were ‘really flat’ at the weekend.

“I was looking forward to a lovely, cosy weekend off, going to St James’ expecting a win against Fulham, but it was another poor performance,” he said.

“Fulham thoroughly deserved it.

“Newcastle were just alright in the first half. They got their goal, Jacob Murphy, great work by Gordon down the left-hand side and sticking the ball in. Murphy tucked it away.

“I thought ‘oh, here we go’. But Fulham tweaked it a little bit and came out with a lot more energy, a bit more direct, a few more diagonal balls in the second half. And they were the better team.

“Isak hit the bar with one great effort in the second half. But other than that, there was very little response. They were very flat, really flat.

“It was a poor performance.”

• READ MORE: Who is Alan Shearer? Stats, Height, Wife, Daughter, Net Worth

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Newcastle United were flat on Saturday. It was a flat performance and a flat atmosphere.

It was not quite like the Bournemouth game, where the Magpies were played off the park by an outstanding team. Fulham played well, but Newcastle were so subpar. Having gone 1-0 up, they failed to kick on.

Eddie Howe’s side were really disappointing, and it increases the nerves ahead of Wednesday night’s game against Arsenal. The Magpies are potentially 90 minutes away from another Wembley final, as they take a 2-0 lead into their second leg clash with the Gunners.

That was already going to be a nervy affair, but that apprehension will only intensify. Newcastle have lost two home games in a row, and it also looks like they have lost their mojo. As for Arsenal, they will be full of confidence after their 5-1 win over Manchester City on Sunday.

It is Newcastle’s game to lose. They are the side with the advantage, and it will be up to Arsenal to change that.

While there could be nerves from the players, it is vital that the Newcastle United fans do not let their apprehension bleed onto the pitch. A rocking St James’ Park is essential.