Alan Shearer has criticised Newcastle United central defender Jamaal Lascelles on Match of the Day on BBC One (11:37pm, January 15, 2022) for his performance against Watford.
The Newcastle legend was disappointed by Lascelles for the goal that Eddie Howe’s side conceded against Watford in the Premier League game at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
The 28-year-old central defender could not defend a late cross from Kiko Femenia, and Joao Pedro rose above him to head the ball home.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Shearer said: “It’s an excellent cross and a superb header. Lascelles should do better again, should be stronger in there.”
How did Jamaal Lascelles play for Newcastle against Watford?
In our view, Lascelles was not exactly bad during the match for Newcastle, but he should have done much better for the Watford goal.
The former England Under-21 international centre-back should not have allowed Pedro to rise above him.
There was another incident in the second half when Lascelles gave away the ball cheaply that resulted in a chance for Watford.
Against Watford, Lascelles had one effort which was not on target, played one key pass, had a pass accuracy of 73.6%, won 12 headers, took 70 touches, and made three tackles, one interception and four clearances.
The draw means that Newcastle are now second from bottom in the Premier League table with 12 points from 20 matches, two points behind 17th-placed Watford, who have played 19 games.
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