Alan Shearer was not impressed with Newcastle United’s performance against Norwich City on Saturday. The match took place atThe Canaries’ stadium and Teemu Pikki put on quite a show at Carrow Road for all the fans as he became the first Norwich player to score a Premier League hat-trick since Efan Ekoku in September 1993.
Pukki admitted he “wouldn’t have even dreamt of a day like this” after his impressive hat-trick gave Norwich City their first win back in the Premier League against a laboured Newcastle United. Unlike Pukki, Shearer argued the lack of understanding between between Miguel Almiron and Joelinton. He believes the duo is clearly out of sync and they have yet to score in the two Premier League matches that have taken place so far.
“Scoring goals will be a big problem for Newcastle unless they change things – and they have to change one thing. There is too much distance between Joelinton and Almiron. Joelinton had no support, he’s got to hold the ball up for too long and there’s no-one within 40 to 50 yards of him”.
He also went on to criticise Almiron’s movement. Shearer claims, as Almiron is an attacking midfielder, his lack of movement goes on to be a huge problem in the field. He needs to score more and assist in more goals.
As if the 3-1 loss wasn’t enough, Joelington also suffered a nasty hip injury and the Brazilian suffered a nightmare afternoon after missing a good chance, picking up a yellow card and then being forced off the pitch through the injury. Bruce expressed his concern for the forward and the severity of his injury has not been revealed yet.
After Newcastle’s opening-day defeat to Arsenal, Steve Bruce had taken heart from the performance, if not the result, but there was no place to hide after this showing. Newcastle not only failed to match Norwich’s possession but also their endeavour. Bruce claims the result was “difficult and hugely disappointing” and the pressure is definitely on for the manager in the upcoming matches
Newcastle did get a consolation goal in second-half stoppage time through Jonjo Shelvey but this disjointed and toothless display did not seem to match the standards of the Premier League. According to last year statistics, The Magpies were already suffering in terms of late goals and were conceding more than they were scoring. This year it doesn’t seem to be much different.
Unless The Magpies can turn their fate around in their upcoming match with Tottenham on the 25th of August, it would seem Premier League survival is far from their grasp.
