Shearer fires Newcastle warning

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

Newcastle captain Alan Shearer has told his team-mates not to use the side's injury problems as an excuse.

Newcastle beat Arsenal 1-0 on Saturday with a Nolberto Solano goal, despite not being able to call on the likes of Emre, Kieron Dyer and Steven Taylor.

"We have still got a few first-team players out, but we can't keep talking about that," said Shearer.

"People are fed up of us talking about the injuries that we've got. The injury argument is not going to work anymore."

Shearer featured prominently in what was a physical match, but he was quick to respond to criticism from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for his robust display.

"You have to be physical. If you go out there and let yourself be pushed around and bullied, you won't get anywhere," he added.

"I wasn't aware that Arsene Wenger had been complaining about how physical I was. I don't mind that. I've never seen (ex-Arsenal captain Patrick) Vieira pulling out of challenges.

"Arsenal are a great side with great footballers in it. If you stand off them and let them play, they will beat you.

"But if you get stuck in, give it a go and don't give them time to settle, you've got half a chance."