Alan Shearer points out ‘really good’ news for Newcastle United ahead of Ipswich

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Alan Shearer was honest about Newcastle United’s performance in the 4-1 loss to Aston Villa.

The Magpies lost ground in the race for the Champions League as their six-game winning run came to an end at Villa Park on Saturday.

Newcastle United’s loss to Aston Villa means they are still third in the Premier League table, but are now just two points ahead of clubs like Chelsea outside the Champions League places.

It has been made clear that Newcastle are aiming for Champions League football. A top-five finish should be enough for a return to Europe’s top competition, but with five games left in the season, there is still a lot to play for.

Bruno Guimaraes apologised to Newcastle fans on social media following the loss, with the captain promising that he and his teammates will fight to finish as high up the table as possible in the final few games of the campaign.

While Newcastle look forward to their next game, Alan Shearer has highlighted what is perfect for the Magpies, despite the loss.

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Alan Shearer talks Newcastle United’s next Premier League game

Their league position still makes Newcastle one of the favourites to qualify for the Champions League at the end of the season, but they must still be wary of those around them.

Newcastle’s run-in is slightly less favourable, with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea still to play them. However, Shearer has pointed out that Newcastle’s next game is against Ipswich Town, who have struggled in the Premier League all season.

Alexander Isak scored a hat-trick against Ipswich at Portman Road in December. Fans will be hoping that a similar outcome will happen at St James’ Park.

Speaking on the Rest is Football about Newcastle’s recent loss, Shearer said: “I just think the quicker Newcastle forget about that and move on, the better).

“What I would say is if you’ve been battered like you have been, then you would want a home game, your next game against one of the teams that have had a terrible season in terms of Ipswich.

“They’ve got a really good home game to look forward to, and hopefully they’ll bounce back because that battle at the top for the Champions League places is incredible.”

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Newcastle United get case of deja vu after Aston Villa loss

After a shaky start, Newcastle have been brilliant for most of the season. Champions League football is within reach, but performance levels must stay high for the final five games of the season.

The loss to Villa is the second time Newcastle have been beaten 4-1 this season, with Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth putting four past the Magpies at St James’ Park in January.

Bournemouth exploited Newcastle’s style of play throughout the game, very similar to what Ollie Watkins did to Fabian Schar for Villa.

Like the Villa game, Newcastle were on a good winning streak before playing Bournemouth. Then, they bounced back with a win against a relegation-threatened side the week after.

Newcastle beat Southampton 3-1 that weekend, fans will be hoping for a similar result against Ipswich.