Newcastle lost 1-0 to Premier League leaders Manchester City on Wednesday night.
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has told the Evening Chronicle that Rafa Benitez’s Toon are a Championship side playing in the Premier League,and only January investment will save them from relegation.
The Toon suffered their ninth loss in 11 Premier League outings on Wednesday night as they fought bravely but ultimately lost 1-0 at St. James’ Park to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Raheem Sterling scored the only goal of a match that saw City dominate possession, as the Toon looked to frustrate City. However, Newcastle could have easily got something from the match, with Rolando Aarons going close.
Nonetheless, Shearer believes Newcastle’s current players are out of their depth in the top tier of English football, and believes January recruitment is the only way his old side can survive the drop.
“I think the fans realise what they have. They have a set of players who work hard, I don’t think you can question their commitment but they’re a Championship side playing in the Premier League and I think the fans understand that,” Shearer said.
“Rafa has dropped enough hints at the beginning of the season and during season that is the case. He desperately needs bodies to come in and have additions to this squad and if he doesn’t, it’s a relegation battle.”
It remains to be seen if Benitez will be backed in the January transfer window, with owner Mike Ashley yet to sell the club as Amanda Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners remain frontrunners to takeover.
Newcastle currently sit in 15th place but are far from being out of danger as they remain just one point above the drop zone, with Bournemouth on 17 points in 18th place.
The Toon now go up against fellow promoted side Brighton on Saturday st St. James’ Park, in what is a must-win match against one of their relegation rivals.
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