Newcastle managed to pick up a point against Leeds last night. After a poor start in which the visitors took an early lead, the lads reacted very well to get something out of the match.
It was one for the neutrals as both clubs had plenty of chances in an end-to-end battle at St. James’ Park. Leeds could have put the game to bed in the first half if they took their chances. However, Newcastle kept pushing and Allan Saint-Maximin found the leveler out of nothing just before the break.
There were no goals in the second half which wasn’t quite as chaotic as the first half. Steve Bruce had pushed Isaac Hayden into the midfield after a worrying first 20 minutes and continued with that approach after the break.
It made a difference as Newcastle put in a very solid display but couldn’t find a second goal to grab the three points. After the match, Bruce as pleased with the reaction and admitted he really enjoyed the game overall.
Here is some of what Bruce said about the match as published in The Chronicle:
“If I’m being honest I enjoyed the game and let’s be honest it could have gone either way.
“It was like when you play at school, it was end to end and to be fair to Leeds they force you into that way.
“After a difficult start, the response in difficult circumstances was terrific.
“When you’re analyzing, the players have given everything they could and that’s all you can ask in my position.
“The actual game and response from our team was terrific.
“It’s been fine margins today.
“We needed a bit of luck to go our way.
“It’s been a difficult start there’s no disputing that but if we keep playing the way we did there then I’m convinced we’ll be ok.”
It could be back to roulette of formations like last term. Bruce went to a back four for the first time this season and it made a significant difference. Maybe we’ll even get a glimpse of the 4-4-2 diamond at some point this season.
Overall, it was a decent performance and a very entertaining match. However, we’re still winless and halfway through September so that is a concern. Next up is another crucial match at Watford. We’ll need to see just a little more at Vicarage Road next Saturday to get our first win of the campaign.
61 comments so far
Jail for Ashley
Sep 18, 2021 at 10:45 AM
Comment #41Dr Gloom,
The house opposite us was on sale for two years asking for silly money, despite the rise in house prices they dropped the asking price by a considerable amount. Lo and behold it sold a couple of months later.
Ron Knee
Sep 18, 2021 at 10:46 AM
Comment #42George Caulkin@GeorgeCaulkin
“We want Brucie out … We’re gonna win f**k all again … We’re Newcastle United, we’re ticking along.”
The Ledge
Sep 18, 2021 at 10:48 AM
Comment #43Martoon…. I am not im just pointing out that we were 2nd best in most departments.
Some on here tend to get carried away with a result if you call a draw with Leeds a result.
Unused Substitute
Sep 18, 2021 at 10:51 AM
Comment #44We’re happy not because of our performance. We’re happy because our expectations were/are unrealistically low. That’s the only success Bruce could claim: being able to whittle down general expectation.
stan anderson
Sep 18, 2021 at 10:53 AM
Comment #45I did enjoy what I saw of the game.
Overall a point just about deserved
There was a moment when there was a stoppage and Richie was called to the touchline and given instructions not by the main man but Jones. Bruce looked totally bemused by what was going on.
I think he should go before he has serious health issues.
lochinvar
Sep 18, 2021 at 10:57 AM
Comment #46stan
what about our health ?
Ashley and Bruce are not exactly the empitomy of ‘wellness’
no wonder SJP is next to the RVI
The Ledge
Sep 18, 2021 at 11:01 AM
Comment #47It was funny looking at Brucies face when Jones was giving instructions to Ritchie he didn’t know what was going on.
stan anderson
Sep 18, 2021 at 11:03 AM
Comment #48Your right Loch.l,v been on happy tablets since AshLie showed his true colours
Jail for Ashley
Sep 18, 2021 at 11:05 AM
Comment #49I never wanted Bruce and wud rather have Mark Hughes. I am not a cheer leader for him either. However, in the interest fairnance and balless I would like to point out that we see more attacking football, the players seem to run through brick walls and the managers affable (brown nosing) personality seems to get the best out of Ashley.
Jail for Ashley
Sep 18, 2021 at 11:06 AM
Comment #50I must categorically state having said that I am no cheer leader of Bruce.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Sep 18, 2021 at 11:07 AM
Comment #5170 mins Joelinton goes down in the box, from a challenge from a defender. referee possibly unsighted just waves play on
From FlashScore app on my phone
Anyone see the incident??
Jail for Ashley
Sep 18, 2021 at 11:12 AM
Comment #52I’d also like to say that despite our former manager being a washed up has been who wasted millions upon millions in the transfer market, wudn’t be touched by the likes of massive clubs like Arsenal and Spurs and generally is in the gutter with Phil Brown and Stuart Little, I’d really like to see him here on a sensible budget.
chancel be a fine thing
Sep 18, 2021 at 11:15 AM
Comment #53Charlie, I remember the incident as I was waiting for a replay, but none came. So can’t help.
I do wonder if sky are complicit in covering up mistakes by referees in not showing replays sometimes. It could be it was just nothing, but we’ll never know.
If it were Salah, we’d probably have seen a few replays if there was some contact.
Jail for Ashley
Sep 18, 2021 at 11:16 AM
Comment #54But I’d much rather have a young progressive manager who I don’t know of and will quietly shut up about and disappear if he fails gets hired instead.
chancel be a fine thing
Sep 18, 2021 at 11:19 AM
Comment #55Good to see Jones back in the technical area. Stands to reason the man who coaches and prepares the team during the week should be directing them at the weekend.
Maybe Ashley/Charnley have stopped protecting Bruce’s ego now that he’s stepped out of line and opened his mouth against those above.
Jail for Ashley
Sep 18, 2021 at 11:21 AM
Comment #56I’d also like to state that I’d give any guy a chance but didn’t want to put Steve Bruce on god like status despite his 900 games in management. Managers shud be judged on face value and not on their past achievements!
chancel be a fine thing
Sep 18, 2021 at 11:24 AM
Comment #57This is a private information announcement for Lee Charnley:
It doesn’t take much to find a good up and coming manager. Just hire Redbulls current manager, and if you don’t have the pull to do that, then look at their last shortlist and pick one off there.
Jail for Ashley
Sep 18, 2021 at 11:33 AM
Comment #58chancel,
Just tell an up and coming young manager from the Bundesliga this is his chance at the big time in the PL. A few catches though, his players will be chosen by Lee Churnley based on their price, wages and/or possible sell on value, if you accept this and pi$$ off the fans you will have a job for life, if you start to do well and get the fans onside your contract will be terminated or run down.
Optimistic prime
Sep 18, 2021 at 11:36 AM
Comment #59Charlie/Chancel
I saw it and the replay.
Joe slipped, not a touch on him.
Jail for Ashley
Sep 18, 2021 at 11:37 AM
Comment #60Wos,
That win last night lifted us out of the bottom two 😀
Jail for Ashley
Sep 18, 2021 at 11:38 AM
Comment #61Wow 😮