WREXHAM, WALES - JANUARY 29: Alan Shearer of BBC Sport looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Wrexham and Sheffield United at Racecourse Ground on January 29, 2023 in Wrexham, Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Alan Shearer says Newcastle’s players should be concerned about their 21-year-old teammate since they are “under pressure.”
Newcastle United had a great defensive game against Aston Villa, but when Luton Town came to the North East, things were very different.
Instead of celebrating their thrilling triumph at Villa Park, Eddie Howe’s team had to rally from two goals down to draw level with Luton in an eight-goal thriller.
Newcastle put on a truly dismal performance and outcome, being harassed by Rob Edwards’ team all afternoon. Although they should get a lot of credit for their performance, Howe will know that his players are much more capable.
Defensively, every goal was a nightmare show. Every Luton attack was totally preventable, but the Magpies’ defense was impotent.
Dan Burn had a rough afternoon at St. James’ Park, and Fabian Schar also had some dubious moments.
Indeed, Toon icon Alan Shearer believes that Tino Livramento’s availability as a reserve is a major reason why the entire Newcastle back four are under pressure at the moment.
Tino Livramento is putting pressure on the Newcastle defenders.
Shearer discussed Newcastle’s defensive problems during their 4–4 draw with Luton on The Rest Is Football podcast.
He stated, “I think Eddie prefers the back four, and they’ve been really good for a long time.”
Perhaps not in the last few weeks, but Trippier, Schar, Botman, and Burn are his ideal back four.
Yes, Livramento was excellent both when he played and when he came on. However, you also gain greater protection in both boxes from set piece scenarios when you work with Dan. He is a dangerous player who excels when set pieces are falling into play.
“But Livramento is a really good player and has been for a while, so they are under pressure right now.”
Premier League: Newcastle United vs. Luton Town
It’s time to get Tino Livramento going again.
During Dan Burn’s injury absence, Livramento was a consistent starter; but, in recent weeks, he has found himself on the bench.
But Burn’s difficulties on Saturday suggest that Tino might be ready to make a comeback to the starting lineup.
It’s not an easy one for Howe. Burn’s height was what he needed to counter Luton’s physicality and threat from set pieces, but he was not prepared to take on Chiedozie Ogbene’s speed. Burn had a terrible afternoon as a result of Luton’s outstanding seven.
The whole crowd could see that Burn was having difficulty, but Howe did not respond right away. Rather, he held Livramento off the field until Luton made it 4-2 in the game.
Newcastle played a terrible defense. It was unexpected, though, because they were so excellent on the road against Fulham and Aston Villa. For example, Burn performed admirably in both games, yet he is now presented as a villain.
However, as Shearer points out, Livramento’s benching should put the entire Newcastle back four on notice because he will ultimately need to return to the field and could replace any one of them.
