Newcastle ready for season at the top: Shearer

Newcastle United skipper Alan Shearer says his team want to break the domination of Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool at the top of English football.

Shearer told reporters after Monday's season-opening 4-0 win over West Ham United: "We've got aspirations this season to try and climb and stay in the top of the table.

"It will be very difficult for us. We know it will be difficult to break into the top three of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal.

"But if we don't, it certainly won't be for the want of trying."

Newcastle, who enjoyed a spell at the top last season, finished in fourth.

In a pulsating second half at St James' Park, Lomano Lua Lua scored twice, while Shearer and Nolberto Solano bagged one piece as Newcastle ran West Ham's defence ragged.

Shearer pointed to Lua Lua's opener in the 61st minute as the turning point against a Hammers side who were without injured strikers Paulo Di Canio and Frederic Kanoute.

"From then on, we grew in confidence and some of the football we played and some of the goals we scored were excellent. I think we thoroughly deserved the three points," said Shearer.

"The back four held firm and (goalkeeper) Shay Given really didn't have a lot to do."

Looking ahead, the former England skipper said: "We've had a good start, but that's all we've had. Next week will be an equally tough game, if not more so, against Manchester City."

Lua Lua told the club's website: "I'm very happy. I've got my chance because Craig Bellamy is out injured, and I have to make the most of it now."

Aside from their domestic campaign, Newcastle are on course for a place in the lucrative group phase of the Champions League after last week's 1-0 first leg qualifying win at Zeljeznicar Sarajevo. The second leg is at St James' Park on August 28.