Alan Shearer makes brutal Newcastle United claim in 15-word verdict on Chelsea defeat

Alan Shearer believes Newcastle United failed to beat an 'average' Chelsea team after losing 3-2 at Stamford Bridge.

The Magpies fell behind in the sixth minute when Nicolas Jackson flicked home Cole Palmer's shot. Despite losing Anthony Gordon to injury moments earlier, United levelled through Alexander Isak's precise finish into the bottom left corner.

But a poor start to the second half proved costly as Palmer restored the home side's league with a strike from outside the box before substitute Mykhailo Mudryk made it 3-1 after ghosting into the box.

Jacob Murphy made it a nervy finish with a stunning shot in the closing stages but the home side held out for what Shearer labelled as a deserved win. That was despite calling Mauricio Pochettino's side average, a statement that certainly doesn't reflect well on the Magpies.

Following the match, Shearer posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Chelsea, who are average at best deserved to win tonight. Palmer MOTM by a mile."

The result leaves Newcastle sitting 10th in the Premier League table, just a point ahead of Chelsea in 11th. United also haven't won at Stamford Bridge in 12 years. Next up is a trip to face Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-final before the two-week international break.