After the takeover of Newcastle had been announced, there was only one thing on supporter’s minds – who’s going to be the manager? The new owners made the decision to let current manager Steve Bruce take charge of his 1,000th game in front of a packed St James’s Park, which included the chairman of PIF. Unfortunately for Steve Bruce, he failed to impress.
Within the first two minutes Callum Wilson had put Newcastle in front, with a deft header from a good cross from Javier Manquillo on the right. That though, was about as good as it got for Newcastle fans on the day. The rest of the game was all about Spurs, and how many goals they were going to score.
Once Ndombele equalised it was one way traffic, with the Spurs midfield running rampant. Five minutes later, Kane put Tottenham 2-1 ahead with a deft finish over the top of Darlow, confirmed onside by VAR. Newcastle were all over the place defensively, and too passive, not willing to get close to Spurs until the defensive-third. Remember, Steve Bruce admitted a few weeks ago that he coaches the defensive unit. On the basis of this showing, it can’t be too much longer. A giveaway from Matt Ritchie was claimed by Ndombele, and I counted FOUR missed tackles before the ball was played out to Kane who fired it across goal for Son to get Tottenham’s third.
I expected Newcastle to come out in the second-half fired up and get the crowd going, but it was more of the same as Tottenham were rampant. Son, Moura, and Ndombele running the show.
Shelvey came on in the 60th minute to replace Sean Longstaff, and the sub was way off the pace of the game, looking absolutely knackered within five minutes of coming on. Jacob Murphy came on for Joe Willock in the 77th minute, and Ryan Fraser replaced Callum Wilson. This left Newcastle without a striker on the field, Joelinton going the full 90, and Ryan Fraser playing holding mid. Further troubles were caused when Shelvey was sent off after being given his second-yellow card.
I posted this on Twitter at the beginning of the match:
Today was Steve Bruce’s opportunity to put forward a good showing, an in-person interview as it were. As has been par for the course this season though, it went as many of our fixtures under Steve Bruce have gone, and for the new hierarchy watching on, stark reality must surely have sunk in. This Newcastle United may be under new ownership, but the team lacks identity, and is without a plan. Today was a culmination of the past 14 years, promising everything but delivering nothing.
The clock is ticking for Steve Bruce. Newcastle United are winless, in a relegation fight, and are desperately seeking guidance. The wealthiest club in the world need to act, and act quick, before the lingering damage becomes permanent.
On a non-football note..
Today’s game was temporarily suspended due to a fan becoming ill. The positive news coming out of St. James’s Park tonight is that the fan is stable and responsive. Thanks should go to the fans, players, and medical staff who’s swift actions ensured that the fan can hopefully make a full recovery.