Alan Shearer Rips Newcastle Star After Liverpool Clash and Makes Honest Admission on Anthony Elanga
Alan Shearer did not mince his words following Newcastle United’s disappointing outing against Liverpool, delivering a brutally honest assessment that has sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits alike. Watching from his role as a seasoned analyst, the Magpies legend expressed clear frustration with the performance of a key Newcastle star, questioning both decision-making and overall impact in a game that demanded composure and leadership.
Newcastle entered the Liverpool clash knowing the importance of discipline, intensity, and tactical awareness against one of the league’s most ruthless sides. However, Shearer was quick to point out that one individual failed to rise to the occasion. According to the former England captain, the player looked “completely lost” during critical phases of the match, often making the wrong choices under pressure and struggling to influence the game when Newcastle needed him most.
Shearer’s criticism centred on a lack of positional awareness and urgency, particularly during transitions. He noted that against a team like Liverpool, any lapse is punished instantly, and Newcastle paid the price for moments of hesitation and poor execution. For a side pushing to establish consistency at the highest level, Shearer argued that such performances are simply not good enough.
While his assessment of the Newcastle star was scathing, Shearer balanced his critique by offering an honest admission about Anthony Elanga, who caught his attention with an energetic and disciplined display. The former striker praised Elanga’s work rate, movement off the ball, and willingness to take responsibility in key moments. According to Shearer, Elanga demonstrated exactly the kind of intensity and focus that Newcastle lacked on the night.
Shearer highlighted Elanga’s directness as a major strength, stressing how his ability to stretch the pitch created problems and forced defenders into uncomfortable situations. He also pointed out the Swede’s tactical intelligence, noting that Elanga consistently made himself available and followed instructions with precision — traits Shearer believes are vital in high-pressure fixtures.
The contrast between the two performances was impossible to ignore. Where one player faded, Elanga stepped up. Where Newcastle struggled for cohesion, Elanga showed clarity and purpose. For Shearer, the difference summed up why Newcastle failed to compete at the level required to trouble Liverpool.
The fallout from Shearer’s comments has been swift, with fans divided over whether the criticism was harsh or simply a reflection of elite standards. However, few can dispute his underlying message: Newcastle must demand more from their key players if they are to close the gap on the league’s top sides.
As Newcastle regroup and look ahead, Shearer’s words serve as both a warning and a benchmark. Improvement is non-negotiable, and performances like Elanga’s show exactly what is required at the highest level.