Former captain Shearer received a rapturous reception as he made his debut in the dug-out after stepping in for the last eight games of the season in a bid to save the beleaguered club from relegation.

With his side third from bottom and three points from safety at the beginning of the day, Shearer had vowed to go for the win at St James' Park, but despite its positive play, his side ended the day empty-handed.

Some terrible defending by Fabricio Coloccini gifted Nicolas Anelka a chance and when the Frenchman's shot hit the bar, Frank Lampard was on hand to convert the rebound.

It was quickly 2-0 when Florent Malouda capitalised on more slack defending to fire under Steve Harper and put the game beyond the hosts.

Newcastle should have pulled one back when Michael Owen's deflected shot appeared to go over the line before Ashley Cole cleared, but the goal was not given.