Russell Edge

Wed 27 December 2017 22:47, UK

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has blasted manager Rafael Benitez for failing to change his tactics sooner during the 1-0 home defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday.

Raheem Sterling’s first half goal, the winger poking home from Kevin De Bruyne’s lobbed pass, was enough for Pep Guardiola and his men to leave St James’ Park with all three points, despite a spirited display from the Magpies in the final 10 minutes.

However Shearer questioned why Benitez, who had made five changes to his starting XI from the 3-2 win over West Ham last time out, left it so late to alter his negative tactics, having started with five defenders, to try and snatch a goal against the league leaders.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 live’s coverage of the game, quoted on BBC Sport’s live text (27/12, 22:00), he said: “I was surprised Rafa did not try to go for it with 20 minutes to go. They did give themselves a chance at the end but Man City did enough.

“The way manager Rafael Benitez set his side up, it looked like he has one eye on the weekend game against Brighton.

“Today it was very negative set-up. They concede in the first half, but Benitez could have gone for it earlier around 25 minutes before the end instead of in the last 10.

“They are a Championship side playing in the Premier League. They need to have a different mindset and go for it more.”

Newcastle’s defeat means they have won just one game in the last 11, while City picked up their 18th consecutive Premier League victory to extend their lead at the top of the table to 15 points.

The Magpies’ next game sees them play host to fellow promoted side Brighton on Saturday, with the Seagulls sitting three points above Benitez and his men, which will be followed by a visit to Stoke City two days later.

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