I would like to request enlightenment from one of the non biased (i.e. non-newcastle or sunderland supporting) members of BS. I can't help that notice that every time Shearer scores a one-yard tap-in or a penalty, we get commentators and/or newspapers harping on about what spectacular goals he gets so often. This was most noticable recently in the mail on sunday, where they described his 10-second goal as a 'fantastic strike' (it was actually a roll-in on an open net). So basically, why? I wont deny he does score some great ones from time to time (so i don't want any irate mags berating me), but they are more often 'opportunist strikes'.
All England Captains, Current or Former, get the same treatment. Look at Beckham and Owen for perfect examples.
I'd call the goal remarkable, not fantastic. It is a talking point anytime somebody scores 10 seconds into a match, but it's hard to even call that a strike. I think I'd remark about Shearer's hustle on that play. How many strikers would have even been in that position 8 seconds from the opposing teams kickoff? He created a goal from nothing, which is brilliant...but it wasn't his finishing prowess that claimed that goal. I guess Shearer's legacy and legend proves to be bigger than his actual old field performance at this point in his career.
So basically what you are saying is that his past performances and general reputation earn him the fawning reviews? Interesting point, and it makes sense i guess.
Shearer gets a lot of respect for his career-long record, but apart from that he is in his best form since he was injured in the 1997 close season. This is the first season that Shearer has been fully fit since then.
A far more interesting question - and one in more dire need of a coherent answer - is why anyone, anywhere pays any attention to the particular slant chosen by the press on any given player, at any given juncture. It's just sports tab hackery, for Chrissakes. It's tomorrow's chip paper, as the saying goes. It has all the lasting significance of, well - of tomorrow's chip paper. A couple of years ago when Shearer was the lumbering, ineffective, sulky vanguard of Keegan's England attack, he couldn't buy a decent piece of press. Now he's banging them in again for Newcastle and it's all about what a wonderful asset to the nation Alan Shearer is. It means nothing. It matters less.