Alright, listen up you muppets! Alan Shearer, the legend himself, has piped up about what those daft Newcastle lads need to avoid doing if they want to make it to the Carabao Cup final. It's about time someone spoke some sense, innit?
Newcastle's chance to end their 70-year drought
The Magpies have given themselves a fighting chance to finally end their bloody 70-year trophy drought. Can you believe it's been that long since they lifted the FA Cup back in 1955? About time they pulled their finger out and won something, if you ask me.
Arsenal's recent form
Eddie Howe's boys will have to be on their toes though, especially after watching Arsenal's 5-1 thrashing of Manchester City on Sunday. The Gunners will be buzzing, no doubt about that. Newcastle better be ready for a proper battle.
Newcastle's recent home form
But let's not forget, Newcastle have been absolute shite at home recently. They got battered 4-1 by Bournemouth and then lost 2-1 to Fulham. St James' Park isn't exactly a fortress these days, is it? Four home defeats this season already. Embarrassing.
Shearer's warning
So, what did big Al have to say about it all? Well, he reckons that if Arsenal score an early goal, the tension at St James' Park will be through the roof. And he's not wrong, is he? The place will be like a powder keg waiting to go off.
He said, "I've already said to a couple of my pals that the one thing we don't want is Arsenal to score early because I bet the tension around the ground would be off the charts."
He's spot on though, innit? If Arsenal get an early one, it'll be backs against the wall for Newcastle. And we all know how well that usually goes...
Howe's dilemma
Now, Howe's got a decision to make. Does he stick with Newcastle's usual gung-ho approach or does he try to keep it tight and compact? It's a tough one, especially with Arsenal going for broke to try and get back in the tie.
Shearer doesn't think they should change though. He said, "When they are at their best they are full of energy, closing down, not giving the opposition any space. Playing on the front foot particularly at St James' Park down the hill."
Shearer's desperate plea
But at the end of the day, Shearer just wants to see Newcastle win a bloody trophy. He doesn't care if they don't win another game all season as long as they beat Arsenal and then go on to lift the Carabao Cup.
He said, "I wouldn't care if Newcastle didn't win another game this season but if they win two – Wednesday night and the final – I'd be a happy man. It's been 70 years since we won a domestic trophy – 1955. As you know I don't like swearing but fuck*** hell."
Couldn't have put it better myself, Al. It's about time Newcastle stopped taking liberties and actually won something. The beautiful game demands it. Over to you, lads...
