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Alan Shearer has a few words to say about Brighton 1 Newcastle 1 ‘Lazy, scared’ and ‘Remarkable’

5 years ago
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Alan Shearer won’t see many games quite like this one.

Which he won’t be too upset about.

The NUFC legend reviewing Brighton 1 Newcastle 1.

It was a game that saw only three efforts on target in total.

Alan Shearer described the whole thing as ‘remarkable’ but he wasn’t referencing the fact that the game had managed two goals from only three efforts on target.

Instead he was referring to Brighton and how the home side were so ‘lazy, scared and nervous’ in the opening 45 minutes, when Newcastle were so dominant but without the cutting edge to add to Perez’ goal.

It was quite literally walking football for Newcastle, with Brighton so deep, Shelvey and his teammates were able to stand in the opposition half without any pressure on the ball from the home side.

A more potent attacking side would have demolished Brighton but when you are only one down, hope still remains.

Brighton weren’t great in the second half but simply by actually now trying and getting people further up the pitch, it was enough to get a draw. Newcastle feeling the effects of losing key players and their replacements nowhere near the standard needed.

Brighton have been very lucky to find three teams worse this season and need a massive overhaul based on this evidence.

Whilst for Newcastle, it was evidence that when the first eleven aren’t on the pitch and all firing, there is every chance of seeing the likes of that second half yesterday.

Salomon Rondon provided a brilliant assist for the Perez goal, from the one bit of decent service he got all game. He cut a forlorn figure after the break with Kenedy, Atsu and Muto in ‘support’, a sobering thought of just how much Newcastle have relied on this loan player this season

Alan Shearer speaking on Match of The Day about Brighton 1 Newcastle 1:

“The difference was remarkable (comparing first half and second half).

“They (Brighton) were lazy, scared and nervous in that first half.

“They weren’t prepared to put a shift in and Newcastle dominated that first half.

“The space around Jonjo Shelvey was just incredible, no one prepared to do the hard work for Brighton.

“Shelvey was picking his head up and placing passes with ease…unbelievable from Brighton.

“The back five at Newcastle didn’t have to do anything but the second half it changed.

“Solly March came on and he pressed.

“Everyone (for Brighton) got 10 or 15 yards further up the pitch and pressed Newcastle.

“Glenn Murray comes alive and Newcastle’s defence had to work.

“They (Brighton) could have won the game but I think that a draw was a fair result.

“That change from first to second half was remarkable.”

Stats from BBC Sport:

Brighton 1 Newcastle 1

Goals:

Newcastle:

Perez 18

Brighton:

Gross 75

Possession was Brighton 49% Newcastle 51%

Total shots were Brighton 9 Newcastle 9

Shots on target were Brighton 2 Newcastle 1

Corners were Brighton 7 Newcastle 4

Referee: Mike Dean

Newcastle United:

Dubravka, Manquillo, Schar, Fernandez, Dummett, Ritchie, Hayden, Shelvey (Ki 73), Atsu (Muto 81), Perez (Kenedy 33), Rondon

Unused Subs:

Darlow, Yedlin, Barreca, Diame

Crowd: 30,587  (2,500 Newcastle)

(Rafa Benitez reacts after game, asked if any contact from Mike Ashley – HERE)

(You can read instant NUFC fan/writer reaction to the game HERE)

(Chris Hughton reacts to the 1-1  draw HERE)

(Positives and Negatives from the match HERE)

(Match ratings and comments on NUFC players HERE)

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