Alan Shearer still believes Newcastle United are in for an underwhelming season.

Alan Shearer has reiterated that he expects Newcastle United to finish between 12th and 15th this season.

Jacob Murphy appeared to snatch all three points with a wonder strike against Fulham on Saturday. However, the hosts equalised just three minutes later through Rodrigo Muniz.

A win would have lifted the Magpies into the top 10 for the international break before a tricky run of fixtures. As it turned out, the draw has Newcastle sitting 12th, with Arsenal - and Bruno Guimaraes - visiting St James’ Park a week on Saturday.

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Alan Shearer react to Fulham draw

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, club legend Shearer praised the Magpies despite failing to hold onto the win. He said: “I've got to choose my words because there was an improvement from Newcastle. He changed a couple around. He brought in the young boy, (Sean) Steur, who I was wanting him to bring in.

“Jacob Murphy was dropping to right-back at times to make a five at the back in a 5-4-1, to try and make Newcastle tougher to break through… and they were. (Lukas) Hornicek, I thought played really, really well when they (Fulham) did get through. And then that brilliant goal from Murphy.

“I thought, ‘Here we go, just what Newcastle need’ and then a minute later they get done. It was probably a fair result in the end but there were small improvements for Newcastle.”

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Alan Shearer doubles down

Shearer anticipated a mid-table finish for Newcastle even after the decent start against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. He has seen nothing since to change his mind - doubling down on his prediction.

“I go back to my (prediction),” Shearer added. “I think I said this on the first day of the season, or maybe even the second, that we're going to have to be patient. As tough as it is, I do think we'll finish 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th. Just remind me of that when I start to lose my rag.”

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