The Magpies great was dissatisfied with Eddie Howe’s side’s performance in the 1-0 loss at Kenilworth Road.
Alan Shearer, a Newcastle United icon, feels portions of the Magpies’ 1-0 defeat to Luton Town were ‘not acceptable,’ as Eddie Howe’s team finished second best to their hosts.
In terms of the result, Andros Townsend’s first-half goal proved to be the difference between the two teams, but United never looked like pulling back into the game. Alexander Isak’s effort was chalked out for a near offside ruling, but that was as close as they got, with Luton looking threatening on the break.
Shearer, commenting on Match of the Day, was unimpressed with a tired-looking Newcastle side, praising Luton’s willingness to win the ball and their effort throughout the game.
“In any football match you have to match your opponent’s intensity, you have to have the desire and will to win,” she remarked. “This is not acceptable, Newcastle loses the first tackle, loses the second tackle, and Luton were brilliant at that.”
Townsend scored for Luton after he was given a free header from Ross Barkley’s flick on from a corner-kick, and Shearer felt United should have been better prepared to deal with the home side’s set-pieces.
“What does Luton excel at?” Set-pieces, so you have to be on, and they weren’t,” he added. “Miley misplaced his man, and they were punished with a goal.” Luton deserved it because they worked hard and were more organized.”
