Steve Bruce has spoken to the press following Newcastle’s impressive 2-2 draw against Spurs. The head coach made some critical changes that sparked Newcastle to life after the troubling 3-0 defeat at Brighton two weeks ago.
First Bruce ditched the diamond formation for the 5-3-2, which was what he first utilized when he was appointed almost two years ago. Though today, the emphasis was getting up the pitch which the lads were able to do all match long.
The other area where Bruce went in another direction was the team selection. He brought three players in from the cold in Jacob Murphy, Matt Ritchie, and Sean Longstaff. All three played their part this afternoon.
There were also some conspicuous absences from the teamsheet. Ryan Fraser, Andy Carroll, and Federico Fernandez were all missing when the team was announced. Bruce has confirmed that all three were unavailable due to injury. Here is what Bruce had to say about the trio per Newcastle United’s Twitter account:
“Andy Carroll picked up a calf injury. Ryan Fraser picked up a groin injury while he was away with Scotland and hasn’t trained for a few days. Fede Fernández felt his calf again too.”
Hopefully, none of the three are too seriously injured and will be available for Burnley next weekend. That could also be when Callum Wilson returns from his hamstring injury.
Today we witnessed an excellent performance from Joelinton, who scored one and made the second with his headed flick back across the face of the goal. Miguel Almiron got a touch before Joe Willock launched the ball off the underside of the crossbar for the equalizer.
Bruce was thrilled with Joelinton’s exploits against Spurs. While he concedes that the Brazilian needs to put away more of his chances, he was a constant thorn in Spurs’ side today. Here is some of what Bruce said about Joelinton’s performance:
“He has had it tough but the one thing about Joe is he doesn’t shy away from it. Yes, we have to improve his goal tally but over a tough period he’s done very well in certain games. Today, arguably, was his best.”
Bruce also spoke about our other goal scorer, Joe Willock. The 21-year-old didn’t start for the first time since joining Newcastle. However, that may have provided some extra motivation as he got the leveler against his home club’s rivals.
This is what Bruce said about Willock’s performance as well as his reaction to not starting:
“I’m delighted for him. He wasn’t happy when he wasn’t in the starting line-up. However, he’s come on and got us the goal so I’m delighted he’s got one against Tottenham which will please him.”
Newcastle were vastly improved from Brighton and now Bruce has some decisions to make for Burnley. Will he go back to the 4-3-3 or keep with today’s formation? Also, Bruce now has competition for places with some of these performances.
It could be a competitive week of training as the lads prepare for the ultra-critical match at Burnley on Sunday. Hopefully, the lads will be able to carry some of today’s momentum with them to Turf Moor.
While the performance was promising and the point unexpected, Newcastle could still land in the bottom three by this evening. Fulham will jump us in the table with a win at Aston Villa today.
Bruce was pleased with the performance, however, he felt it was deserving of more than just a point. Ultimately, some poor defending and finishing could have cost Newcastle a momentous win. This was Bruce’s take on today’s result:
“I thought our performance was enough to win the match so there’s a tinge of disappointment. I was delighted with the response of the team. They kept at it and got something out of the game which was vitally important.”
400 comments so far
Munster Mag
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:09 PM
Comment #41Cam on the villa!! In me best brummie accent
Romford mag
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:09 PM
Comment #42Phew !
chancel be a fine thing
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:09 PM
Comment #43Get in!!!!
JP...from The Rock
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:10 PM
Comment #44Everytime the commentator says that a player has get to score a goal they go and score everytime lol wel done Trezeguet, you’ve done us a huge favour.
Mund
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:10 PM
Comment #45GET IN VILLA!!!
The Ledge
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:10 PM
Comment #46Oh thank God!!!!!!
JP...from The Rock
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:10 PM
Comment #47Come on Villa finish them off.
JP...from The Rock
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:10 PM
Comment #48Trezeguet nearly scored a second eith a thunderous strike. Unlucky.
Toon67
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:11 PM
Comment #492-1
Oh yes
JP...from The Rock
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:11 PM
Comment #50TREZEGUET SCORES AGAIN!!! Hahahhahhaha 2-1!!!!!
Jail for Ashley
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:11 PM
Comment #51Get in, oh my god!!!!!!!!!
Romford mag
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:12 PM
Comment #52Get in
Tackle from behind
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:12 PM
Comment #53Yipeekiyay mutherfluffer
Mund
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:12 PM
Comment #54YESSSSSSSS
chancel be a fine thing
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:12 PM
Comment #55Woooohiooooo
Munster Mag
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:12 PM
Comment #562-1 villa!!!!
The Ledge
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:12 PM
Comment #57F…ki g get in thank f .k
WLtoon
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:12 PM
Comment #58GET UN AGAIN YYYEEEEHHAAAAA
Mund
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:12 PM
Comment #59Tackle do not go to the shop for the rest of the game ok? Lol
chancel be a fine thing
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:13 PM
Comment #60Another 10 from Villa should sort out the goal difference.
WLtoon
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:13 PM
Comment #61Aye Fulham look the more likely to score lol
Mund
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:13 PM
Comment #62Mehrdad Ghodoussi
@ghodoussi
Get in Villa!!! Never thought I’d say that Face with tears of joy
Moonraker15
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:13 PM
Comment #63Wow what a turn round!
Tackle from behind
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:13 PM
Comment #64Shoddy defending — he just crapped himself and bottled it.
TomaKaThor
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:13 PM
Comment #65If I wasn’t a Newcastle fan I’d feel sorry for Fulham 😀
The Prince's Mate
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:14 PM
Comment #66Romford, thanks for that
Welcome to the pleasure dome
Romford mag
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:14 PM
Comment #67WL
Aye , oops 😀
JP...from The Rock
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:14 PM
Comment #68Unbelievable stuff! Hopefully this crushes Fulham’s spirits. I don’t like wishing injuries on players but I hope Lookman misses quite a few crucial games and costs them as he is one of their star players.
Romford mag
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:15 PM
Comment #69Prince’s
😉
chancel be a fine thing
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:15 PM
Comment #70Scott Parker’s written message “run around a bit and score a goal”.
Tackle from behind
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:16 PM
Comment #71Mund
but I have to go back, I forgot the Monkfish cheeks for the cat’s supper
Pottsclock
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:16 PM
Comment #72Fabulous Fulham are actually not that good. Their goal was a gift and villa have shown how fragile they are
Toon67
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:17 PM
Comment #733-1
Very nice
Moonraker15
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:18 PM
Comment #74That’s massive for us!
Makes it a great point against Spuds!
That’s Fulham f***ed!
Romford mag
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:18 PM
Comment #75Yes
TomaKaThor
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:18 PM
Comment #76Thank you Villa 3-1
chancel be a fine thing
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:18 PM
Comment #77And relax….
Tackle from behind
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:19 PM
Comment #78That’ll do it
BOOOOM.
A shame in some ways as I was looking forward to Bruce’s sacking.
I’ll settle for us staying up and seeing him hang instead.
WLtoon
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:19 PM
Comment #79What a last 15 mins . Cheers villa
Munster Mag
Apr 4, 2021 at 6:19 PM
Comment #80Time for lamb and red wine 🙂