In the wake of Newcastle United’s tame 1-1 draw to Wolves at St. James’ Park, manager Steve Bruce’s post-match comments have sparked major criticism from supporters.
The Magpies originally took the lead after a fairly solid first-half display, with Jamaal Lascelles’ thumping header proving the difference heading into the second half.
Following a positive first 45 minutes, Newcastle were then steadily pegged on to the back foot, eventually resulting in Wolves’ Jonny scoring the equaliser with just a quarter of an hour left to play.
Speaking to after the game, Bruce outlined exactly what went wrong for the Magpies after they looked seemingly in control.
The Newcastle manager stated (via The Chronicle): “I was pleased with the way we played in the first half – the second half was very difficult to say the least.
“I think we just decided that we’d just defend and try to protect what we had, but we didn’t take care of the ball well enough.”
As a result, a fair few Newcastle fans have begged the question of why the team didn’t go for a killer second goal or at least show some positivity.
Here’s how the supporters reacted to Bruce’s comments:
What a shocking statement – defend what we had. We were awful – should have made changes 5mins in
— Keith Inkster (@InksterKeith) October 27, 2019
Steve Bruce “What we decided to do was retreat deep and hand space and the initiative to Wolves”
Tactically inept, cowardly yes man #nufc
— Graeme Simpson (@Alberts_tache) October 27, 2019
😂 ‘we decided’
— Jamie Fender (@Jamie_NUFC) October 27, 2019
950 matches taught you to give up in the second half
— Toon Man US (@us_toon) October 27, 2019
2nd half was difficult coz he couldn’t get his peanut brain into gear and make changes to shape or make subs
— JAMES ⚽1️⃣4️⃣ (@JPCAJC) October 27, 2019
It was his decision to defend for 45 and everyone in the ground knew it. Shocking game management. Clueless with changes too. One of worst games of football I’ve watched.
— ajf (@foxaj) October 27, 2019
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