- Newcastle were dominated in the first half of their clash with Manchester City
- Magpies legend Alan Shearer branded his former side’s efforts ‘pathetic’
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Alan Shearer took to social media to vent his frustrations during Newcastle’s clash with Man City.
Eddie Howe’s side entered the clash at the Etihad looking to bounce back following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Fulham at the start of February.
However, the Magpies would quickly find themselves on the back foot at the home of the Premier League champions, with Pep Guardiola’s side breaking the deadlock after just 19 minutes.
Following a poor Champions League showing in midweek, City goalkeeper Ederson turned provider, with his long kick perfectly finding Omar Marmoush who lobbed an onrushing Martin Dubravka to put the hosts in front.
The assist marked the Brazilian’s sixth in the Premier League, more than any other goalkeeper in the history of the competition.
Marmoush was again at the heart of the action just minutes later, as the Egypt international cut inside before adding a second goal to his tally.
Alan Shearer slammed Newcastle’s first-half performance against Manchester City on Saturday
Omar Marmoush opened his City account with a hat-trick in a dominant showing for Pep Guardiola’s side
Shearer lamented his former club’s defensive failings in the opening 45 minutes in a post on social media
Savinho proved a constant threat for City throughout the first half, and found Marmoush with a loss cross who summarily tapped in to complete his hat-trick just 14 minutes after opening the scoring.
During the half-time interval Shearer took aim at Newcastle’s performance, with a particular focus on their defending.
He wrote on X: ‘Lost every challenge. A pathetic 45 mins from Newcastle.’
Newcastle’s hapless defence held firm for much of the second half before James McAtee came off the bench to add a fourth goal and heap the misery on Eddie Howe’s side.
