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Mark Douglas

Alan Shearer's brilliant Match of the Day verdict on Newcastle's 'absolutely perfect' front three

Alan Shearer hailed Newcastle's front three as they defeated West Ham - saying the trio played it "perfectly" at the London Stadium.

United earned a terrific 3-2 win on the road as they swept West Ham aside in the first 45 minutes, with centre-backs Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez both scoring. Jonjo Shelvey's free-kick gave Newcastle a third goal before they had to withstand a late fightback.

And while some were critical of United's forwards for not applying the finishing touch, Shearer picked out Joelinton, Miguel Almiron and especially the excellent Allan Saint-Maximin for praise.

On Match of the Day he said: "The concern this season for Newcastle has been a lack of creativity and a lack of link up play between those three Saint-Maximin, Almiron and Joelinton but not today. I thought they got the balance in terms of attacking play absolutely perfect.

"Joelinton's hold up play was much better and when he got the ball Almiron was pointing where he wanted it. Saint-Maximin who I thought ran West Ham ragged and it was the same thing for him with Almiron pointing where he wanted it.

"The pace was staggering from Saint-Maximin. His counter-attacking was superb and if we're being critical we say he should score. Him and Almiron should score but they're getting into those positions (at least).

"I was pleased for Joelinton, he put in a good performance. West Ham could not cope with them, they should have had a hatful and been out of sight."

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