AliousAlan Shearer did not hold back in his assessment of Newcastle United after their crushing 2-1 defeat to fierce rivals Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby, branding the performance “pathetic, weak and lazy” following a dismal second-half collapse.
The former striker, widely regarded as one of the club’s greatest-ever figures, delivered his blunt verdict after watching Eddie Howe’s side throw away a first-half lead at St James’ Park. Newcastle had started brightly, with Anthony Gordon opening the scoring early on, but what followed after the break left fans furious and Shearer seething.
Taking to social media, Shearer summed up the display in a scathing 10-word outburst, calling it another unacceptable showing and questioning the team’s intensity and mentality when it mattered most.
From control to collapse
For much of the first half, Newcastle looked comfortable and in control, with Sunderland struggling to impose themselves. But the momentum shifted dramatically after the interval as Régis Le Bris’s side returned with renewed energy and purpose.
Their persistence paid off when Chemsdine Talbi equalised just before the hour mark, finishing from close range to cap off a dominant spell.
VAR drama proves costly
The game’s turning point arrived when Malick Thiaw thought he had restored Newcastle’s lead with a powerful header. However, referee Anthony Taylor ruled the goal out after determining that Jacob Murphy was offside and interfering with the goalkeeper’s line of sight.
That decision proved decisive.
Moments later, Brian Brobbey struck in the dying minutes, reacting quickest after his initial effort was saved to seal a dramatic victory and spark wild celebrations among the travelling supporters.
Sunderland make history
The result saw Sunderland complete a memorable league double over Newcastle and leapfrog them in the table — a feat that underlines their resurgence and deepens the Magpies’ misery.
Pundit Jamie Carragher also weighed in, highlighting the magnitude of the achievement. Reflecting on the occasion, he pointed out how rare such victories have been for Sunderland at St James’ Park, calling it a defining moment for a new generation of fans.
For Newcastle, however, the fallout is only just beginning — with serious questions now being asked about their consistency, mentality, and ability to handle high-pressure occasions.
Alious
