Alan Shearer has described Newcastle’s crucial win against Brighton as a ‘slog’ but was ecstatic to see the Magpies secure the win. Goals from Ryan Fraser and Fabian Schar appeared to send Newcastle on their way to a routine victory before Lewis Dunk’s header halved the deficit with 40 minutes remaining.
The St James’ Park crowd had to endure a tense second half but Eddie Howe’s men staved off the Seagulls’ fightback to claim all three points. Victory for the Magpies means they have won five of their last six fixtures - and are unbeaten in eight - while climbing seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Shearer breathed a sigh of relief on social media at the full-time whistle as he praised Newcastle’s ‘brilliant’ win. The club’s all-time leading goalscorer also paid tribute to Fabian Schar - naming the Swiss centre-back as his man of the match.
Shearer tweeted: "That second half was a slog, but a brilliant win. Fabian Schar MOM." Schar has started all but one of Howe’s 16 games in charge and, alongside Joelinton and Ryan Fraser, is playing his best football since arriving on Tyneside. Another stellar display at the back did not go unnoticed by Shearer, who lauded the 30-year-old after the game.
