England legend claims Newcastle star has not been the same player this season



Newcastle United were ultimately knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Although the two City goals had huge elements of luck, it was the home side that deserved the victory having restricted the Magpies to just two shots in total, one of which that was on target.

While losing at Man City may not be overly concerning, Eddie Howe’s team struggled to pose a significant threat to their opponents. Despite City’s superiority, their goals came through deflections, with Silva’s second strike glancing off the head of Sven Botman before eluding Martin Dubravka.

Speaking of the Dutchman, Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer believes that Botman is struggling for form of late.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 19: Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, interacts with Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on August 19, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer on out of form Botman

The former England striker said on BBC’s coverage of the Manchester City vs Newcastle FA Cup tie: “He hasn’t looked the same player. He had a brilliant season last season but he hasn’t been the same player.

“He looks as if he’s been carrying an injury for a long time. He came back into the team after a while out and he hasn’t been the same player.”

Last season the Dutch international had an outstanding debut Premier League campaign for Newcastle, starting 35 games and helping the Magpies to register 11 clean sheets.

This term however, the 24-year-old has struggled to keep fit, thus struggling to gather any sort of form. Botman has started just 15 times in the top-flight this time around, and there’s yet another injury worry after he was substituted at the Etihad Stadium.