Alan Shearer says he is ‘not convinced’ that winless Newcastle can avoid Premier League relegation and has lamented the side’s defensive frailties.
Newcastle remain bottom of the Premier League and without a win in 14 fixtures so far this season, following a 1-1 draw at home to fellow strugglers Norwich at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s side were reduced to 10 men after just nine minutes following Ciaran Clark’s sending off, though took the lead through Callum Wilson’s second-half penalty.
Teemu Pukki netted an equaliser for Norwich to extend Newcastle’s winless start to the campaign and Shearer is unsure whether his former side have the defensive quality to avoid relegation this season.
“I’m still scared stiff whenever the ball goes into the final third for Newcastle as it’s individual errors,” Shearer told Amazon Prime Sport.
“I mean I just don’t have a clue what they’re going to do – I’m not sure they do at times.
“They did defend well and did react to the sending off and stick together as a group. But the individual errors are still there.
“Clark had one, (Fabian) Schar had one that could have cost them. The goalkeeper makes one I think he could have got two hands when the cross comes in. These are basic individual errors that at this level you’re going to be punished.”
Shearer believes this weekend’s home clash as Burnley shapes as another must win clash for Newcastle, admitting time is running out for the Magpies to address their difficult start to the season.
“I’m not convinced they will have enough (to stay up). They now look to Saturday’s game against Burnley, again, you’re going to hear it’s a must win game over the next few days.
“Same as tonight. It’s been 14 games (winless) and the longer it goes on the harder it becomes.”
