Alan Shearer has just delivered a 16-word verdict on Newcastle United’s draw v AC Milan

Alan Shearer was left pleased with Newcastle United’s draw in their Champions League group stage opener against AC Milan last night.

Having been drawn into Group F alongside Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, the San Siro was the Magpies’ opening destination after returning to Europe’s elite for the first time in 20 years.

They had to work hard for their point and pay a little thank you to goalkeeper Nick Pope, who pulled off nine saves across the evening.

In total, Milan attempted 25 shots compared to United’s six, so it is no wonder Shearer was happy to avoid defeat.

The Newcastle legend, who was part of the Sir Bobby Robson team to visit Milan in 2003, posted on X: “Take a point all day. Worked their nuts off. Good job Milan had nothing up front.”

Speaking after the game, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said “you can’t underestimate the performance and the point we get”.

“Our first thought wasn’t to defend deep or to protect our goal, far from it, that’s not how we set up our team,” Howe told reporters. “We tried to be aggressive, we tried to get to the Milan centre-backs and goalkeeper in their build up phase.

“Mixed success with that, I thought, we were a little bit loose in our defending in that first half – hence the number of chances Milan created but we were very good in and around our box, hence why we got the point.

“I thought the crowd were very good for Milan tonight, it was a hostile atmosphere and the players had to adjust to that which is why you can’t underestimate the performance and the point we get.

“It will look better and better as time goes on because it was a new experience for a lot of people tonight, me included. Hopefully we can grow from this into the tournament but I’ve got to praise the players defensive qualities tonight. We know we can be better with the ball but hopefully that comes.”