Alan Shearer believes Newcastle United’s 1-0 win away to Leeds United showed Marcelo Bielsa is ‘desperately lacking’ a striker, while speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live (22/01, 17:19).
Jonjo Shelvey struck the only goal of Saturday’s Elland Road affair, securing just the Toon’s second Premier League win this term. The midfielder beat Illan Meslier in the 75th-minute with a 20-yard free-kick, aimed towards where the French goalkeeper set himself.
Meslier could look back on Shelvey’s goal and feel he should have done better to keep the score level. He had already palmed one volley from the ex-England international to deny the Magpies. While Martin Dubravka’s point-blank save against Dan James kept Leeds out.
Jack Harrison also enjoyed a strong chance to put Leeds ahead over Newcastle, but Fabian Schar blocked the winger’s attempt. His miss gave the Toon confidence and are now one-point from safety. Eddie Howe’s side also hold a game in hand over Norwich City in 17th.
Shearer feels Newcastle win highlighted key Leeds issue
Shearer has praised Newcastle for their spirit and togetherness to beat Leeds, after a poor run this season. The Toon icon also notes how Howe’s side had to rise to the occasion due to what the Whites threatened. But losing to the Magpies showed a bigger issue for Leeds.
“It was a huge win,” Shearer said. “Newcastle were well in the game. Leeds are desperately lacking a centre-forward. But Newcastle had to dig deep and I thought they deserved it in the end, particularly in the second-half.
“They had to show team spirit. Some of the performances over the last six-months have been unacceptable. Hoping confidence wise it will be huge. I thought it was a really good together performance.”
Bielsa was again without Leeds’ first-choice striker Patrick Bamford against Newcastle. The 28-year-old has only featured once in the top-flight since sustaining an ankle injury at St James’ Park in September. The forward is currently sidelined with another foot problem.
Bamford made a goalscoring return on December 5 against Brentford, but then injured his hamstring while celebrating. Bielsa turned to James to lead the Leeds attack at home to Newcastle on Saturday, before replacing the winger with Tyler Roberts on 71-minutes.
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