Lots of Newcastle United fans were left unimpressed with the Magpies’ lacklustre display against Burnley and took to social media over the weekend to vent their frustrations at Steve Bruce, who one fan called ‘Mike Ashley’s puppet’.
Following a string of disappointing performances against Crystal Palace, Arsenal and Norwich City, the Toon Army once again failed to find the back of the net in a dull draw at home to Burnley on Saturday. Newcastle last scored in the league in a surprise 1-0 win at St. James’ Park against Chelsea in January.
Newcastle currently sit in 14th, 2 points behind Southampton and only 5 points clear from the relegation zone. Despite creating plenty of goal-scoring opportunities, the Magpies missed a chance to move above Southampton who dropped to a 3-1 defeat against West Ham.
Many fans are now turning on Bruce after the recent slump in form. Speaking after the game Bruce said (via the club’s official website):
“Considering we’ve changed the formation and changed the system and made a few changes, I have to say I was very pleased with a lot of aspects of it.”
Newcastle registered 21 shots throughout the game but only 4 shots on target per WhoScored.com. After losing to Crystal Palace in a 5-4-1, the Magpies played in a 4-2-3-1 formation, yet had the same amount of possession according to WhoScored. Struggling marquee signing Joelinton failed to register a single shot all game and was eventually replaced by Allan Saint-Maximin.
No more than Ashley’s puppet …..
Toeing the party line …..
Absolute garbage pic.twitter.com/0YWDcIA5pP— Paul Jackson 🇺🇦 (@PaulJ5168) March 1, 2020
Bruce is a fraud and is completely out of his depth in the premier league. There are young managers in the game who have an identity and style to their teams. They have a game plan and are fluid in changing during the game if that plan isn't working. Bruce is not able to do this.
— Jon Sadler (@JonSadler8) February 22, 2020
https://twitter.com/JaackRT/status/1233838535838445568
https://twitter.com/EthanHall1/status/1233842827337064449
#SteveBruce we bought our tickets and had to watch this pathetic display !!#Joelimpton is Hopeless!
Change the system again and play with 10 men !!! https://t.co/hR3Bg9tZL6— Kriss Kringle (@SANTACLOUSS) February 29, 2020
https://twitter.com/IpswichMagpie/status/1233847372557488133
https://twitter.com/TheWand75/status/1233867311456583682
Newcastle fans, do you think Bruce is at fault for Newcastle’s recent slump in form? Let us know in the comments below!
