Alan Shearer names four Newcastle players who are now ‘under pressure’ after Luton draw

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Newcastle United were excellent defensively against Aston Villa, but it was completely different story when Luton Town arrived in the North East.

Eddie Howe’s side should have been capitalising on a fantastic victory at Villa Park, but instead they were forced to come from two goals down to salvage a point during an eight-goal thriller with Luton.

It was a really disappointing result and performance from Newcastle, who were bullied all afternoon by Rob Edwards’ side. They deserve immense credit for how they played, but Howe will know that his players are capable of so much more.

Each goal was a horror show defensively. Every Luton strike was completely avoidable, yet the Magpies were powerless at the back.

Dan Burn endured a torrid afternoon at St James’ Park, while there were also questionable moments from Fabian Schar.

In fact, Toon legend Alan Shearer thinks that the entire Newcastle back four are under pressure right now, and that is largely down to the presence of Tino Livramento in reserve.

Newcastle defenders are under pressure because of Tino Livramento

Shearer has been speaking about Newcastle’s 4-4 draw with Luton on The Rest Is Football podcast, and addressed the Magpies’ defensive issues.

“I think the back four that Eddie prefers and has been really solid for a long time now,” he said.

“Maybe not in recent weeks but his preferred back four – Trippier, Schar, Botman and Burn…

“Yeah Livramento when he came on and when he played has been really good. But what you get with Dan is that you get more protection from set piece situations as well in both boxes. He’s a threat and is really good when set pieces are coming in.

“But they are under pressure now because Livramento is a really good player and has been for a while.”

Time for Tino Livramento to start again

Livramento was a regular starter during Dan Burn’s injury absence, but has found himself on the bench in recent weeks.

However, Burn’s struggles on Saturday hint that it could be time for Tino to return to the starting XI.

It is a difficult one for Howe. He wanted Burn’s height to deal with Luton’s physicality and threat from set pieces, but he was not equipped to handle the speed of Chiedozie Ogbene. Luton’s number seven was exceptional and ensured it was a miserable afternoon for Burn.

It was clear to the entire crowd that Burn was struggling, but Howe did not react immediately. Instead, he kept Livramento on the bench until Luton made it 4-2.

Defensively, Newcastle were awful. However, it came as a surprise as they were so good at the back away to Fulham and Aston Villa. For instance, Burn was excellent in both games – yet now he is being portrayed as a villain.

But as Shearer says, Livramento’s position on the bench should have the entire Newcastle back four on notice, as he has to come back into the side eventually, and he could take any of their places.