Alan Shearer's savage Arsenal vs Newcastle verdict leaves Gary Lineker in fit of laughter

Alan Shearer's reaction to Newcastle's upcoming clash against Arsenal caused quite the reaction from Gary Lineker

Alan Shearer's withering assessment of Newcastle's prospects against Arsenal had Gary Lineker dissolving into laughter.

The Magpies were dealt a third consecutive Premier League defeat on Saturday, going down 2-1 at home to Bournemouth. Yet another dismal result in a remarkably poor season for the reigning EFL Cup holders, it represented Newcastle's eighth home defeat in 11 matches and a fifth loss in their last six home league outings.

Sitting 14th in the table with just five games remaining, the upcoming fixtures could serve as a platform for next season, though Shearer harbours little optimism ahead of their next assignment — a trip to Arsenal on Saturday.

Appearing on The Rest is Football podcast, the Magpies legend was weighing in on Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Manchester City and what it might mean for Mikel Arteta's side as the final month of the season approaches.

Lineker said: "Arsenal have lost four of the last six matches in all competitions. They need a result. I know they got through in the Champions League and we forget that a little bit because of the nature and it was a bit of a bore draw, wasn't it?

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"If they missed out on everything, it'd be a a massive blow but they're certainly getting closer. They've got a chance in the Champions League, it's going to be really difficult but they definitely have a chance."

Shearer then interjected with a tongue-in-cheek jab at his former club, remarking: "The good news for Arsenal is they've got Newcastle next weekend who are absolutely s***" which prompted Lineker to erupt in laughter, alongside Micah Richards.

The former Spurs forward then responded: "You're not happy, Al. He's not happy, I was going to come to that later." Magpies manager Eddie Howe acknowledged following Saturday's loss that his team's recurring defeats have established a "pattern".

Howe stated: "In recent weeks we've become too easy to beat; there was no reason for us to lose this game. There wasn't too much between the teams today but we haven't done well enough in the big moments. It's becoming a pattern. But, of course, the situation can be turned round."

Considered amongst the Premier League's finest managers, Howe has experienced his most challenging campaign at St James' Park since arriving in 2021. Discussing Howe's prospects in the North East, Shearer suggested he doubts the Englishman will be at the helm next season, while accusing the players of "chucking him under the bus".

"As tough as it is for Eddie, I don't know what is going to happen with him," the 55-year-old said. "I listened to his interview afterwards and I watched him on the touchline and I just think is he going to want to go again? Is he going to get the chance to go again?"

"There are so many moving parts with it for him. If all things are equal then, yes, I would like him to [stay]. But does he feel as if he is going to have the chance? Does he want to do it again? Are Newcastle going to have to sell?"

"If he has money to spend and he doesn't have to sell then, yeah. But I looked at the players yesterday and if that was what they call fighting for their manager because he is under huge pressure. Whether you like it or not. They were terrible. They chucked him under the bus, the players. The performance was c--p from every single one of them."

"It is a tough situation, a tough summer for Newcastle coming up. They have got some big decisions to make. As I am sat here, I don't see Eddie in charge of Newcastle next season, unfortunately."