Pep Guardiola felt aggrieved by a refereeing decision that went against Manchester City in their defeat by Newcastle, but Alan Shearer was keen to highlight a different factor
Alan Shearer has told Pep Guardiola to focus on improving Manchester City’s defence, rather than moaning about refereeing decisions after they were beaten at Newcastle. City lost 2-1 at St James’ Park in the Premier League on Saturday evening as Harvey Barnes scored two second-half goals.
Gianluigi Donnarumma made some excellent saves to keep Newcastle at bay before Barnes fired into the corner from the edge of the box. Ruben Dias brought City level with a deflected strike before Barnes netted from close range to restore the home side’s lead.
The winning goal was controversial, however, with VAR taking a long time to confirm that Bruno Guimaraes was onside in the build-up, while City felt that Donnarumma had been pushed. Guardiola was furious post-match and clashed with Guimaraes, Joelinton referee Sam Barrott after the final whistle.
Guardiola was clearly frustrated by the result, which halted City’s momentum after a 3-0 win over Liverpool before the international break, but Newcastle legend Shearer feels he should have bigger concerns.
READ MORE: Ruben Dias fumes at VAR as Man City star calls for rule change after Newcastle controversyREAD MORE: Pep Guardiola reveals what he REALLY told Newcastle stars and referee in angry confrontation
“I understand his frustration because his team have been beaten and well-beaten in that second half,” Shearer said on Premier League Productions. “They didn’t create a lot. He’s raw just after the game, he’s seen his team beaten in a really tough game, but for me the concern would be how many chances they are giving up, not any refereeing decisions or bad luck.
“If Newcastle had their shooting boots on, they should have scored six or seven – they missed four absolute sitters. The way they carved City open would be a bigger concern for me.”
Erling Haaland was kept quiet by Newcastle’s defence and City are now third in the Premier League, four points adrift of Arsenal, who can increase their lead with a victory over Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday.
“They are certainly not as good as they were, and we might never see them as good as what they were when they were on that unbelievable run,” Shearer added. “I mean, the standards that they set in terms of winning trophies, goals and all of those things, they were brilliant and I’, not sure we’ll see them get to that again.
“They are certainly not the same team without the brilliant Rodri and the protection he gives them in that team. I’m not sure they’ve replaced him as yet. Whether they can find someone as good, probably not. But the concern would be for me defensively. They are always going to score goals, particularly with Haaland up front, but defensively they certainly aren’t as sharp as they used to be.”
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