Alan Shearer drops brutally honest Sven Botman verdict on his Newcastle United return

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Newcastle United managed to come from behind to beat Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday.

While elements of the victory were controversial in that Joelinton appeared to have handled the ball in the build-up to Anthony Gordon’s goal, that will be of little concern to Eddie Howe.

Newcastle have now won six games in a row across all competitions and could well be on course for qualification for next season’s Champions League, should English teams be afforded five places.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
4	ChelseaChelsea	19	10	5	4	38	23	15	35
5	NewcastleNewcastle	19	9	5	5	32	21	11	32
6	Man CityManchester City	19	9	4	6	32	26	6	31

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou may have been unhappy with the result but Newcastle leave the capital with all three points, raising yet more confidence ahead of Tuesday’s huge game at Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Another big boost was the return of Sven Botman, who was something of a surprise inclusion in the starting lineup.

The Newcastle United manager had talked of his return before the game but perhaps it was strange to see him thrust back into the starting lineup, given just how long he’s been out.

In the early stages of the game, Botman looked somewhat shaky – though that is obviously understandable.

Still, it did cost Newcastle a goal, with Dominic Solanke getting the better of him to nod in Pedro Porro’s cross. Thankfully, Howe’s side recovered through goals from Gordon and Alexander Isak.

Reflecting on Tottenham’s goal, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer delivered his brutally honest verdict.

Alan Shearer delivers Sven Botman verdict after Newcastle United return

Speaking while on punditry duty for the Premier League’s official website, Shearer said: “[Botman’s] a bit raw. I think he’s got to be stronger. In two weeks, you’d expect him to do that but there are mitigating circumstances”

Eddie Howe admits Sven Botman’s Newcastle comeback was unusual

Botman can perhaps be afforded a slight mistake after so long out of action. Having improved throughout the game, that can be written off as rustiness.

The position he played probably didn’t help either. Howe admitted it was unusual to have a left-footer playing on the right-hand side of the defence but it was necessary due to Fabian Schar’s suspension.

It does not seem ridiculous to suggest that was a slight blip from Botman and one that can be easily explained.

All in all, it’s great to have him back.