Magpies entering critical phase

Newcastle sit in the relegation zone and are expected to be in a survival scrap all season but has it been all doom and gloom so far under Steve Bruce? Bruce’s arrival after the departure of Rafael Benitez was met with universal apprehension by the Magpies faithful, with many feeling they had just lost a top European manager and acquired one of Championship quality.
There is no question that the Spanish tactician has a higher standing in the game than the current incumbent but Bruce is vastly experienced in English football, having managed nine clubs before taking the St James’ Park reins.
His ties to the area and passion for the club were expected to win him a few months stay of execution from the supporters and victory over Manchester United probably tagged a few weeks onto that.
In truth, it was never going to be easy for Bruce, with a squad that is workmanlike but no more and the emergence of the Longstaff brothers has certainly been a bonus.
Only the 5-1 reverse at Leicester City has seen pundits and ex-players alike take aim at the men in black and white this term as they have held their own against London giants Arsenal and Chelsea, going down by the only goal of the game on each occasion.
Newcastle have yet to set the world alight with their attacking play and that is likely to remain the case all campaign, with Bruce relying on his defence to keep them in games while hoping to nick the odd win with a goal on the break.
He will need more from the likes of Joelinton, who has just one top-flight goal for the Tynesiders – albeit a winner in the shock 1-0 triumph over Tottenham in north London.
Miguel Almiron has yet to open his account in 18 top-flight starts and it is no wonder they have scored just five league goals in 2019-2020.
Unless the goal tally increases, there will be only one result next May, as history shows that clubs who score goals give themselves a greater chance of getting out of trouble.
It is not a lost cause just yet and Bruce has clearly set his stall out to try and frustrate opposition teams as much as possible, but with games coming up against teams not expected to finish the top six, the north-east side need goals and points to ensure the fans stay on board despite ongoing animosity over the club’s ownership.