It was a three way thing like, take away Shearer and they aren't have the players they were.
Was going to say, a bit harsh to say it was a one way street. Shearer will be the first to admit he relied on service for most of his game. Bellamy was his legs, but defenders knew they couldnt over commit and leave Shearer alone. Robert continued what Solano, Wilcox, Le Saux, Gillespie... had done before him in provide consistently good service. The Shearer of 01-04 was still a pretty deadly finisher.
I suppose Bobby was the one who recognised what was needed and put it all together.