Alan Shearer makes witty Newcastle United admission that ALL fans will agree with

OXFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Alan Shearer, ex Newcastle United player waves to fans from the TV studio inside the stadium prior to the FA Cup Fourth Round Replay match between Oxford United and Newcastle United at Kassam Stadium on February 04, 2020 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

First-half goals from Sean Longstaff and Joelinton had the Magpies cruising in their FA Cup fourth round replay at Oxford United before two late goals from the hosts forced the game into extra-time.

The game was heading to penalties at the Kassam Stadium but Allan Saint-Maximin emerged as the hero in the 116th-minute to set up an away trip to West Brom in the next round.

“Phew,” Shearer said, moments after the full-time whistle was blown. “They certainly know how to put their fans through it. They never do it the easy way at Newcastle.

“That is fantastic from Saint-Maximin. The way he moves it past the defenders - you know he wants to come onto his right foot. Has he got the ability to finish it off? Yes.

“It’s exactly what Newcastle needed because Oxford put them under huge pressure. What a game it was and well done to both teams."

Shearer, who became United's all-time record goalscorer 14 years ago yesterday, admitted he was sure the game was heading for the dreaded spot-kicks.

Instead, the 49-year-old was left to admire Saint-Maximin’s second goal in Magpies colours.

“Well after the chances that had been missed when they decided to pass it instead of shooting, I am thinking: ‘We’re going to penalties here’.

“It was always going to take a piece of brilliance and that is what that goal was - brilliant.”