Alan Shearer has reacted to the Toon’s 2-1 win over Southampton, heaping praise on Steve Bruce for his role in Sunday’s comeback win.
The former Newcastle number 9 and current Match of the Day pundit tweeted this just moments after the full-time whistle, believing his good friend got his substitutions spot on at St James’ Park:
Hats off to Bruce. His substitutions really did make the difference today – and Shearer is also spot on in saying it was ‘not pretty at times’.
It was a tough watch in large parts, but the response to going a goal down was superb from all involved.
Not only did Carroll come on for ineffective Joelinton and swing in a brilliant cross to set up Shelvey’s equaliser, he played his part defensively once again, dropping deep when needed and heading away some dangerous late corners at the other end.
Fellow sub Sean Longstaff also came on and played a key role in Fernandez’s winner, with his stinging long-range striker breaking to Fernandez; who reacted first and finished like a seasoned striker.
He may regret leaving Saint-Maximin on so long, but you’ve got to give credit to Bruce for making some decisive and impactful changes at key times.
Those decisions got us the win and up into the top half of the table.
