The Black Cats have experienced a noteworthy beginning to their comeback season in the top-tier league, showcased by their spirited 2-2 stalemate against the Gunners the previous weekend.
Brian Brobbey’s late goal in added time upheld the Wearside club’s undefeated status at their home ground and put a stop to the Gunners’ dominant run, as they had not conceded any goals in their prior eight league encounters.
Alan Shearer ‘not concerned’ regarding the derby despite the form of the Black Cats
The Wearside club will play host to the Magpies in the highly-anticipated Tyne–Wear derby come December 14, which will mark the first occasion that these two squads have clashed in the Premier League since the year 2016.
The former Magpies striker and Premier League icon, Alan Shearer, while acknowledging the performance of the Wearside club against the Gunners, has asserted that he is ‘not concerned’ regarding the prospects of the Magpies in the upcoming derby.
“I wouldn’t express that I am particularly concerned regarding the derby match against the Wearside club in the weeks ahead, though I have been pleasantly astonished at the commendable performance of the Wearside club,” he conveyed to Betfair.
“I am of the opinion that not even their most ardent supporters would suggest that they would be positioned where they currently are within the league standings and the achievements they have secured thus far this season. I believe a significant revelation arising from the Wearside club is the formidable challenge any team will encounter when venturing to the Stadium of Light.
“I suspect that the Gunners will not experience a more demanding fixture this season than the one they contested during the past weekend.”
Shifting his focus towards the Magpies, Shearer implied that striker Nick Woltemade, who initiated his tenure commendably subsequent to his substantial transfer from VfB Stuttgart, introduces a ‘challenge’.
“I suppose a head coach is consistently under duress to attain favorable outcomes, although I believe the contribution that Eddie Howe has rendered at the helm of the Magpies, coupled with his accomplishment in the Carabao Cup, specifically the acquisition of the trophy, has garnered him a substantial reservoir of goodwill,” Shearer remarked.
“What I would be inclined to examine is the characteristic of Eddie’s squad, which has consistently exhibited abundant vitality, proving challenging for adversaries and affording them minimal latitude. This attribute, particularly evident in away performances, appears to be deficient, and, to some extent, even in home fixtures. The facet that I perceive as lacking is the pronounced high-pressure strategy and the commensurate dynamism.
“I have previously articulated that, notwithstanding Nick Woltemade’s proficiency with the ball at his command, he poses a predicament for the Magpies on account of his relative lack of velocity, his incapacity for sustained pressure, and his failure to execute penetrating runs.
“The squads under Eddie’s management have consistently executed this approach. Consider the contributions of Alexander Isak or Callum Wilson; each demonstrated relentless pressure and executed penetrating runs. Conversely, the aforementioned player appears unable to replicate these actions, thereby generating a notable challenge for the Magpies.”
