Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has made the prediction that the Toon Army will be left sweating over their Premier League status in 2019 in an expected relegation battle.
The Magpies currently sit 14th courtesy of two successive home wins, but were in the bottom three prior to their victories having gone without picking up three points in their opening 10 outings.
Shearer insists that the recent results will have brought some positive energy to St James’ Park but that there will be nerves for the rest of the season as they try to avoid finishing among the bottom sides who will suffer relegation.
He told Coral: “Much brighter for Newcastle, a tough one against Burnley. They’ll go there looking to continue their bright form and they’ve looked a lot tighter, they’re a better unit.
“They’ve given themselves hope. They’re the games (against fellow strugglers), particularly at home, that you have to be picking up the points against.
“The Newcastle fans understand where Newcastle are at this moment. It will be a long hard season and a relegation battle and that’s the games they have to pick to pick the three points.”
.@alanshearer on Newcastle: ''The last two games have given everyone a bit of hope'' pic.twitter.com/nyof7Nnmli
— Coral (@Coral) November 23, 2018
Opinion
Well, it cannot be argued that Shearer is letting his black and white spectacles obstruct his view of the true state of affairs on Tyneside. After a 10th placed finish last season Newcastle fans would have loved to have seen their side push on but they have failed to do so, with their rivals around them strengthening over the summer to make their task that little bit harder. The Toon Army do not want to be embroiled in the battle at the bottom every season but the early signs – until their two consecutive wins – were not good for the Magpies. Yes, they might have been facing many of the top sides in the league but as is proven week after week, anyone can beat anyone and while it is important to avoid losing to those around you, picking up points from sides sitting above you in the table is the only way that you are going to make progress. Newcastle are not doing that.