Brutal Alan Shearer comments say it all after Newcastle thrashed by Brighton

02 September 2023 , 20:31

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Newcastle fell to a 3-1 defeat against Brighton (Image: Getty Images)

Alan Shearer singled out Callum Wilson as Newcastle's only positive from the Magpies' 3-1 defeat at Brighton.

Eddie Howe's side suffered their third successive Premier League loss as Roberto De Zerbi's Brighton swept them aside at the Amex Stadium. Evan Ferguson struck a hat-trick for the Seagulls as they continued their impressive start, moving up to fourth in the process.

As for Newcastle, Wilson came off the bench and scored, but it was too little too late to have any impact on the outcome. The Magpies now have not won since their opening day 5-1 victory over Aston Villa, losing out against Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton.

Reflecting on the game, Shearer tweeted: "Brilliant Brighton. Magnificent Ferguson. Other than Wilson Newcastle very poor in every department today. A tough start to the season i know but they were all over place."

Howe cut a frustrated figure on the touchline and admitted his side simply were not good enough. He told Sky Sports: "I thought it was a good start from the team, we were bright in the early stages and we had a couple of really good chances to score.

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"When you come here and you get those moments you need to take them - we didn't. Uncharacteristic goals to concede today. The first one was disappointing for us and that's always key in a game.

Evan Ferguson scored a hat-trick for Brighton against Newcastle (Getty Images)

"The second one was a shock to the system because at that moment it was a very even game and I sort of felt that they didn’t really cut us open. I think a 3-1 scoreline is damaging for us but I don’t think it reflected the whole game."

Three defeats on the bounce leave Newcastle languishing in the bottom half. Having had a difficult start to the season by playing four of last season's top seven, the Magpies return after the international break with another tricky test, this time against Brentford at St James' Park.

As for Brighton, they were simply magnificent. Speaking after his side's performance, De Zerbi said: "Great performance against one of the best teams in the Premier League.

"I like Newcastle, they play good football but today we deserved to win and played a good game. We deserved to win, played a great game and I am very happy for the attitude of my players."

On Ferguson after his first Premier League hat-trick, De Zerbi added: "Ferguson scored three goals and he played very well. Not only the goals. He played 90 minutes for the team, with and without the ball.

"He understood very well the right positions in the first half and also Joao Pedro played very well. It was fantastic, the attitude of the players."

Kieran King