There’s Shear confusion at Toon mix-up

ALAN Shearer cannot understand why Jamaal Lascelles said he was ‘not too sure’ what happened with Newcastle United’s communications breakdown in the build-up to Wolves’ equaliser on Saturday night.

Lascelles headed the Magpies in front early in the second half but Ruben Neves levelled matters in the 73rd minute at St James’ Park.

Boss Steve Bruce was forced into three substitutions on the night after Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin and Emil Krafth all limped off with injuries and Matt Ritchie’s introduction a minute before Neves’ equaliser seemed to cause confusion.

After the game, Bruce admitted: “Matty did not get on quick enough with the instructions of how we were doing it.”

Captain Lascelles was asked about that mix-up at full-time and admitted he was ‘going to go in and speak about that now’ because he was ‘not too sure’ himself.

Shearer was ‘not sure’ what Lascelles was ‘on about.’

The Newcastle legend instead pointed out how Joe Willock did not track Neves in the build-up to the goal, how Jamal Lewis failed to stop Pedro Neto’s cross, how Isaac Hayden did not close Neves down and finally, how Martin Dubravka did not keep the header out.

Shearer said: “I think Lascelles will be on a high because he has scored the goal.

“I don’t quite get or understand what he is saying about ‘I am going to talk about that now.’

“I would just get in the dressing room and sort it out rather than putting anyone under more pressure than they are already under.”

Newcastle remain just three points clear of the relegation zone in 17th place but had a host of opportunities against Wolves to record just their third win since December 16.

Late on, Joelinton’s eyes lit up after substitute Jacob Murphy cut the ball back to the unmarked Brazilian – but Romain Saiss got himself in the way of the shot to make a remarkable block.

Newcastle were ultimately glad of a point after Dubravka made a stunning save to deny Fabio Silva at the death, but Shearer believes Joelinton should have done better with his big chance.

He added: “It is a sitter. The ball should be in the back of the net.

“I know there will be a few shouting for a penalty but it should not be in that position anyway.

“It should be on the floor, in the back of the net.”