Alan Shearer doubles down on Newcastle prediction after Fulham draw
Alan Shearer has stuck by his prediction that Newcastle United will finish between 12th and 15th in the Premier League this season, despite seeing some encouraging signs during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Fulham.
Our former number nine was encouraged by aspects of the performance at Craven Cottage, particularly Matthias Jaissle’s tactical adjustments and the introduction of Sean Steur.
However, he still believes we are in for a difficult campaign and insists supporters will need to be patient.
Shearer happy to see small improvements
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer acknowledged that there were signs of progress after our disappointing defeats against Everton.
He was particularly pleased to see Jaissle make changes to his starting line-up, including giving Sean Steur an opportunity from the start. Shearer said:
“I’ve got to choose my words because there was an improvement from Newcastle. He changed a couple around. He brought in the young boy, (Sean) Steur, who I was wanting him to bring in.
“Jacob Murphy was dropping to right-back at times to make a five at the back in a 5-4-1, to try and make Newcastle tougher to break through… and they were. (Lukas) Hornicek, I thought played really, really well when they (Fulham) did get through. And then that brilliant goal from Murphy.
“I thought, ‘Here we go, just what Newcastle need’ and then a minute later they get done. It was probably a fair result in the end but there were small improvements for Newcastle.”
Sadly, Murphy’s stunning late strike was not enough to secure all three points, with Rodrigo Muniz equalising just three minutes later.
Shearer sticks to 12th-15th prediction
Despite acknowledging the improvements at Fulham, Shearer has not changed his mind about where we will finish this season.
The Newcastle legend believes we will have to show patience as Matthias Jaissle continues to work with a squad that has undergone significant change. He added:
“I go back to my (prediction). I think I said this on the first day of the season, or maybe even the second, that we’re going to have to be patient.
“As tough as it is, I do think we’ll finish 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th. Just remind me of that when I start to lose my rag.”
It is a sobering prediction, particularly given the expectations following our summer spending and the ambition to establish ourselves among the Premier League’s leading sides.
There were certainly positives to take from Saturday’s performance, and Steur’s inclusion was an encouraging step. But we remain 12th heading into the international break, with a difficult run of fixtures awaiting us.
Shearer is clearly not convinced we will make significant progress in the league just yet. Hopefully, Jaissle and the players can prove him wrong.
