Bruce doesn't play to win! That's the problem.
Newcastle United's performance against Brighton was one of the worst performances since the loss to Sheffield United. This is not the first time this season Newcastle have made average players look world class from the opposition's side. Steve Bruce's inability to motivate the team in a relegation 6 pointer has raised many questions amongst supporters as to whether Steve Bruce is aware of the magnitude of the situation the club find themselves in. Players have been found too many times this season playing for 90 mins with no passion and jogging around the pitch for most of the 90 minutes.Bruce has to motivate the players to play for a win and not just a draw.
The 3 things Bruce got wrong against Brighton. Bruce played for a draw Steve Bruce did not start a recognised striker against Brighton which lead us to believe he has not setup a team to win a game. In most games the team that has been setup by Bruce has been not to lose.It is all well and fine playing defensive football against the top four club's but when you play go for a win against a team that won one home game all season like Sheffield United you get the feeling not everything is right with the team management. Bruce has got to attack teams, playing for a draw and getting a draw isn't always the best result but it is acceptable to an extent but playing defensive football for a draw consistently and not getting a result is what has made Bruce's position at the club untenable.
Started the wrong attacking players Andy Carroll isn't the best striker at the club but he can hold the ball up the pitch and win free kicks up the pitch something the front players were unable to do today. It's very important for the team to win set pieces, with Clark and Lascelles both in the starting line up and good at getting goals from set pieces.I can't understand why Bruce is not playing to the team strenghts. Joelinton and Fraser should not start the next game ahead of Carroll or Gayle. Fraser contributed nothing other than the shot that grazed the goal post all game.In a game that we were supposed to attack and try to win, the starting eleven offered no shots on target.
This puts the club in the midst of a relegation in a very difficult situation. Didn't give any senior players game time the midfield was awful contributed nothing other than run around all game with no sincere passion to win the ball back. In a game that we were supposed to attack and try to win, the midfield could not hold on to possession for more than 30 seconds for most of the game. This cannot get worse for a club in the midst of a relegation fight. Shelvey was not at his best with just a couple of decent switch of play passes all game.With Hayden injured Hendrick looks like he is here to stay.Bruce has got to start players like Murphy or Ritchie. Bruce has to revamp the starting eleven and try to shuffle the squad for the next game and play to win. Playing the same starting Eleven as today for the remaining fixtures will not save the club from getting relegated.
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