Quote Originally Posted by jam
3 goals from open play,last year.
Who cares, he still scored 19, his chance conversion rate is still higher than most other strikers. He will get goals if the ball is put in front of him. He as out injured for 3 months as well.

Shearer's words:

"In the league I may have got only seven goals. But it's also true that I scored 19 goals in 39 starts which only three players bettered in the Premier League (Thierry) Henry, (Andy) Johnson and (Jermain) Defoe.

"In the league I had a disappointing season, yes, but don't forget I missed three months through injury."

The man is 34 coming to 35 in August, g'z! - I doubt Henry will get that many when he is 34. ;)

End of the day Newcastle don't have the crossing ability like they use to, except for free kicks from Robert, which Shearer did put some away from. If more decent crosses came from either flank you would see more goals from Shearer.