Steve Bruce kept with five at the back to start this game despite having just one fit center half. Matt Ritchie was back at left wing-back with Manquillo on the right. The back three were Emil Krafth, Federico Fernandez, and Danny Rose.
Newcastle again started well in the first ten minutes with both wing-backs getting high up the pitch. They were able to launch a few crosses into the box though all were well blocked by Brighton defenders.
However, that didn’t last long and Newcastle turned ultra-cautious for the remainder of the first-half rarely venturing into the Brighton end.
Albion won several set-pieces, which will continue to be a concern due to Newcastle’s lack of height at the back. The game became a bit physical with the two sides battling hard; however, both were bereft of any cutting edge in the final third.
Newcastle were content to sit deep with Brighton enjoying the bulk of possession for much of the half. The early jaunts forward by Manquillo and Ritchie were non-existent after the ten-minute mark.
Both sides lacked invention though Newcastle looked very disciplined defensively despite playing with two full-backs at center half. However, they showed very little impetus going forward and let Brighton dictate play. It was shades of the home fixture which ended 0-0.
The Magpies had a few corners to close the first-half ending in a decent opportunity for Dwight Gayle, but his header was just over the bar. It was our only decent chance in the first 45 minutes.
Brighton ended the first half with over 70% of possession, while Newcastle spent much of their time defending, albeit comfortably. Neither side showed much intensity in what has been an unadventurous performance from Newcastle so far.
176 comments so far
Tackle from behind
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:25 PM
Comment #41JP
How dare you suggest there is a takeover.
Get to Kevin’s office now.
Gothmog's Pyjamas
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:25 PM
Comment #42DjMickyG
Cant play Matty, look how sunny it is, the lad would burn to a crisp.
JP...from The Rock
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:25 PM
Comment #43Bring Lazaro on for ASM Bruce. He needs a rest and no need to risk an injury to our best player. Play Watts for some much needed experience under his belt.
The Hit Man & Her
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:25 PM
Comment #44Miggy 🙂
lochinvar
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:25 PM
Comment #45Thought Shelve was meant to dictate games.
Is he interested?
Hail Wor Staveley
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:26 PM
Comment #46Bentaleb is garbage. I say that as one of his biggest cheerleaders when we signed him.
That Bissouma is a shite shitehouse who thinks he’s tougher than he is.
Kevin Vegan
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:26 PM
Comment #47Turns out me and Danny Rose have something in common. I’d also like him to go to Leicester.
IrishRob
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:27 PM
Comment #48This match is dogshit. Not helped by the fact I’m watching it in Dutch.
John Tudor
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:28 PM
Comment #49Clueless Bruce
The Hit Man & Her
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:28 PM
Comment #50Shocking how poor we are at getting into the box.
Tackle from behind
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:28 PM
Comment #51Irishrob
http://footballstream.to/frame/ch1.php
Irish stream 🙂
Muz
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:28 PM
Comment #52Shelvey at times looks like he needs a good kick up the arse. His body language today says it all. Half hearted.
lochinvar
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:29 PM
Comment #53Sheesh
Just as well this is a free to view game otherwise I’m down to Trading Standards
Bruce got any ideas on subs as we’re passed Rafa’s 60minute mark
Romford mag
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:29 PM
Comment #54Believe me better that than listening to mr boring Alan Smith ! 😉
Davas28
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:29 PM
Comment #55why wasn’t anybody heading towards the six yard box. They were all hanging back watching
John Tudor
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:29 PM
Comment #56Watts and Carroll spearhead
IrishRob
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:29 PM
Comment #57May as well go 3 at the back and try and win this. Wont happen though, a simple tactic like that is way over Bruce’s head.
Tackle from behind
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:29 PM
Comment #58Loch
Bruce has an idea about subs
He’ll have a 12 inch italian with everything in on and around cheers
JP...from The Rock
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:30 PM
Comment #59Mix it up Bruce! Jeezus! Why leave it so late in a nothing match when the players on the pitch ate exhausted and just going through the motions. Send Lazaro and Watts on for starters.
Kevin Vegan
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:30 PM
Comment #60Far too often when we get in good positions around the box, our awareness just disappears and we end up playing passes to nobody (or the opposition) when we have players in great positions and acres of space.
Just have a look before you play the ball lads. Is that too much to ask?
Hail Wor Staveley
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:30 PM
Comment #61That was another foul by Bissouma.
Ref didn’t want to make the decision though because he’s already on a yellow and fouled less than 5mins ago.
lochinvar
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:31 PM
Comment #62Irish Rob #48
This match is dogshit. Not helped by the fact I’m watching it in Dutch
Probably better for that
coming home
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:31 PM
Comment #63Vegan
If you keep slagging our players off
I’ll start on pogba mind
IrishRob
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:32 PM
Comment #64Sound tackle, couldn’t be atsed changing it now at this stage though. Appreciate it though pal.
Gothmog's Pyjamas
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:32 PM
Comment #65Newcastle vs Brighton in September:
0-0
Newcastle 29% possession
4 shots on target
so far today:
0-0
31% possession
1 shot on target
Good to see we clearly havent stagnated..
ilovetoon8788
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:32 PM
Comment #66Bruce tactics and line ups were all wrong. This is a match to bed in youngsters and perhaps give a chance to lazaro.
Worse is he still not using any subs.
Romford mag
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:33 PM
Comment #67Ooooh big Joe coming on , Brighton are in trouble now !
Muz
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:33 PM
Comment #68Just heard the words that fill me with dead. “Joelinton is about to come on”. To be fair though, he couldn’t be any more shit than what we’ve got on so far
FloridaToon
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:33 PM
Comment #69Bruce is just horrible
Harrogate mag
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:33 PM
Comment #70Ch..pmsl
lochinvar
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:33 PM
Comment #71Big Andy and Big Joe Headon on
Max and Gayle off
lochinvar
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:33 PM
Comment #72Heading on
The Hit Man & Her
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:34 PM
Comment #73Here comes the hoofball option. Dear oh dear.
Moonraker15
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:34 PM
Comment #74I hope the Saudis aren’t watching this shit! Especially now Joelinton’s coming on ! ‘Kinell!
Hail Wor Staveley
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:34 PM
Comment #75Howay Andy.
A goal has been a long time in coming. Get one tonight. Need to see you score again for Newcastle!
coming home
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:34 PM
Comment #76Deek the puma cap
Romford mag
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:34 PM
Comment #77One for the cameras there from dubs 😉
JP...from The Rock
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:35 PM
Comment #78Good Bruce at least you’re mixing it up. Two big men upfront now in Joelinton and Carroll and ASM rested.
I see Dubz is sporting a basball cap, if it’s not from Sportsd***** AshLie will be pissed lol
coming home
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:35 PM
Comment #79Ooof what a save
Moonraker15
Jul 20, 2020 at 7:36 PM
Comment #80Muz
You wanna bet? I’m sure we bought the wrong bloke!