Newcastle United supporters were in absolute meltdown over the most unlikely of results on Tuesday evening as the Magpies came back from 2-0 down in the 93rd minute to draw 2-2 away to Everton courtesy of a brace from defender Florian Lejeune – but some fans during the match were baffled by Steve Bruce’s decision to replace Joelinton with Fabian Schar ten minutes from full-time.
Moise Kean and Dominic Calvert-Lewin originally gave the Toffees a comfortable two-goal cushion heading into the latter stages of the contest, with Newcastle barely threatening atoll during the encounter until the injury time heroics, which is potentially why some supporters were so baffled by Bruce’s decision to bring on Schar, a defender, to replace striker Joelinton when they were in need of a goal threat.
Lejeune’s brace would have helped brush this tactical choice under the carpet given the Magpies’ stellar comeback from out of nowhere, but during the encounter, fans were absolutely teeming with rage over Bruce’s choice to replace the Brazilian target man.
However, according to WhoScored.com, it appears the manager’s tactical decision may have been inspired – with Schar mounting more efforts on goal (2) and winning just one less aerial duel than the 23-year-old inside his ten minutes of late action. Unaware of Schar’s eventual contribution, supporters briefly launched an attack on social media aimed at the manager before their dramatic comeback, find all of their best comments down below.
Sums up the mentality of the club really
— colin oliver (@100Magpie) January 21, 2020
Almost like he’s out of his depth and out of ideas.
— Ralph (@Milburn_Mag) January 21, 2020
Just what I said to @lee_ryder, could’ve took Atsu off & replaced him with Allan. No fear & would go at players & get back to defend. So easy to see, but nar, lets put loads of defenders on seeing as we’re already losing 2-0 ! 😡😡😡
— ⚫️Paul Usher (@Paul_Usher1) January 21, 2020
It’s because Steve Bruce isn’t a particularly good coach, especially when it comes to ‘in game’ management and changes. I know that goes against the general narrative of late, what with us having 43 more points than at the same time last season etc. Alas, it’s the truth.
— Gallowgate Original (@GallowgateO) January 21, 2020
No one could. Bruce is not good. The way we play, we know that if we give up a goal, we are done. no shoots on goal, no creativity. He could have used a young player to give him some experience, but…
— Henrique Netto (@henriquenettoo) January 21, 2020
Yep, but as we keep getting reminded Steve Bruce is doing an amazing job at Newcastle pic.twitter.com/jW9TZee08m
— Rich Wearz (@wearz) January 21, 2020
How did you celebrate Florian Lejeune’s eventual heroics? Join the discussion by commenting below…
