'Awful': Alan Shearer's word of the day as former Newcastle man uses it three times to describe today's game

Newcastle United grabbed fortunate point on the road at their least favourite ground as they drew 1-1 with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

Eddie Howe remains winless at his old ground but may feel like he was gifted a point by VAR after the officials at Stockley Park ruled out Dango Ouattara's last-gasp goal as handball even though replays suggested it came off the top of his arm.

Newcastle were outplayed for most of the game, only really coming to life in the final 15 minutes. Even their early dominance in the first half wasn't very threatening.

One might even say Newcastle's performance was awful. In fact, that's exactly what Alan Shearer would say.

Alan Shearer criticised the body language of the Newcastle players

At half time the former Newcastle hero put out a post on X slamming his former side's display.

"Other than the first 10 mins that was awful. Second best in everything. Body language in that first half was awful. Bournemouth miles better."

We couldn't agree with him more. There seemed to be a real lack of effort from several Newcastle players who were putting in half-arsed performances extremely far removed from the "Intensity is our identity" motto that the club adopted under Eddie Howe.

Shearer didn't feel Bournemouth's second goal should have been chalked off

Shearer again took to X at full-time and brandished the word "awful" again, but this time it was directed at the match officials.

"A lucky point as that’s an awful decision re hand ball. Never hand ball for me."

Again, we can't disagree with Shearer. While we appreciate the gift, if it was our goal that was ruled out for that handball we'd be absolutely livid so we have a certain amount of sympathy with Bournemouth - but not enough that we'd give them the three points if it was in our power.