Newcastle United icon Alan Shearer has stressed that Manchester City’s defensive frailties should be viewed as a major ‘concern’ in their pursuit of the Premier League title this season. Shearer made the remark while analysing Pep Guardiola’s visible irritation following the champions’ 2-1 loss to Newcastle United in the weekend league fixture.
Guardiola’s men went into the match with an opportunity to trim Arsenal’s advantage at the top of the Premier League standings to a single point ahead of the North London derby at the Emirates. Instead, Manchester City returned empty-handed, with Harvey Barnes netting twice to hand Newcastle victory at St James’ Park.
The defeat leaves Manchester City sitting third on the table, now trailing leaders Arsenal by seven points, intensifying pressure in the title race.
“I understand his [Guardiola’s] frustration because his team has been beaten and well-beaten in that second half,” Shearer told Premier League Productions. “They didn’t create a lot. He’s raw just after the game, he’s seen his team beaten in a really tough game, but for me, the concern would be how many chances they are giving up, not any refereeing decisions or bad luck.
“If Newcastle had their shooting boots on, they should have scored six or seven – they missed four absolute sitters. The way they carved City open would be a bigger concern for me.
“They are certainly not the same team without the brilliant Rodri and the protection he gives them in that team.
“But the concern would be for me defensively. They are always going to score goals, particularly with Haaland up front, but defensively they certainly aren’t as sharp as they used to be.”
The remarks add further scrutiny on Manchester City’s backline, spotlighting vulnerabilities that could reshape the Premier League title picture and fuel debate among fans, pundits, and analysts.
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