Newcastle has gotten off to a better start in the new campaign than they would have expected from themselves. Having 7 points from the first 3 Premier League fixtures, the Magpies club currently finds themselves in the 5th position, just one spot below their dream finish. However, the club still feels far from their desired dominating play, having been a bit lucky so far.
Newcastle legend reflects on the club's overall start in the 2024/25 campaign
Recently, former Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, while speaking in a media address, laid his observation on the club's start on similar lines. Though he admitted that the Magpies club is off to a good start, it was clearly visible that he wasn't convinced with Howe's overall performance so far. In fact, he didn't hesitate to speak the harsh truth, mentioning that the club has been lucky to have this start without playing well.
"“Without playing well, Newcastle have had a good start to the season. Two wins and a draw and through in the cup too. I was at St. James’ Park on Sunday though, and I thought they were fortunate.""Alan Shearer
Critically assessing Newcastle's home game Vs Tottenham, Shearer opined that Tottenham looked too poor to get the complete 3 points, and any decency in their performance would have helped them clinch a win. Alan Shearer mentioned,
"“Spurs were really poor in forward areas, and had they been any better, then I think Newcastle wouldn’t have gotten that result.""Alan Shearer
However, the English football icon was wise enough to not hold Eddie Howe as the sole man responsible for the club's mediocre show. It is a considerably known fact that Newcastle United hadn't a satisfactory summer transfer event, with the club failing to bring direly needed reinforcements as well. Speaking on similar lines, Shearer commented on Newcastle's squad,
"“I don’t think they’ve given Eddie the best chance in going into the season with as good a squad as he would’ve wanted, and I don’t think they’ve improved his squad from last season.""Alan Shearer
Further, assessing the club's available options as compared to the PL Big 6, Shearer commented on Newcastle's top-four finish chances,
""When you look at the other clubs and what they’ve spent and what they’ve done, it’s going to be really difficult for Newcastle to finish in the top four.""Alan Shearer
Overall, being the club representative, Alan Shearer has put it clearly that the Tyneside club lags as compared to the table-top teams, and they need to improvise their game to fancy their chances of a top-four finish.