Newcastle players have consistently featured in Shearer’s Premier League team of the weeks since the start of the campaign with Eddie Howe’s side sitting third in the table after 15 matches with just one defeat to their name.
United’s all-time top goalscorer has named five of the club’s players in his team of the season XI so far. Two more than second place Manchester City and three more than leaders Arsenal.
When posting his team of the season via his Instagram account, Shearer included the caption: “You know it makes sense.”
Many supporters of other clubs questioned Shearer’s apparent favouratism of his former side though anyone who watches Newcastle week-in, week-out would find it hard to disagree with the selection based on the start the side have made.
Here is Shearer’s Premier League team of the season so far...
9. RW: Miguel Almiron
Shearer on Almiron: “The one thing that has never been in doubt since he joined Newcastle in 2019 is his work-rate - he has always put the effort in, and more. “What has changed is that he has added an end product, not only with his goals but also his balls into the box. Almiron looks a real player now - intelligent, really quick, sharp on the ball and able to go past people.” | Getty Images
10. LW: James Maddison (Leicester City)
Shearer on Maddison: “He is playing exceptionally well and my only debating point would be whether he starts or not [for England.” Photo: Stephen Pond
11. ST: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Shearer on Haaland: “My record of 34 goals in a season is under serious threat, if he stays fit, he’s breaking it!” Photo: Shaun Botterill
12. Manager: Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
Shearer on Arteta: “In just over a year, Arteta has not just built a different team, he has transformed the mood of the whole club. He deserves great credit for that, because he got a lot of criticism after the way they started last season, with three straight defeats. “They go into the international break at the top of the table. They deserve it too.” Photo: Stuart MacFarlane