Bruce suggests Newcastle form is ‘worst run in 20 years’

James Holland
Steve Bruce Newcastle

Steve Bruce has suggested Newcastle’s current form is his worst spell during over 20 years of management.

The Magpies lost 2-1 at home to Leeds United after a curling effort from Jack Harrison in the second half.

Leeds went ahead in the 17th minute through Raphinha.


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He was found by Rodrigo and calmly dispatched of the chance to score his third goal of the season.

The first half perfectly demonstrated Newcastle’s lack of attacking threat, as they failed to register a single shot on target.

Bruce’s men picked it up in the second half, however. They seemed to have more urgency going forward and began to put Leeds under pressure.

Miguel Almiron provided them with an equaliser in the 57th minute. Jonjo Shelvey and Callum Wilson linked up for some great one-touch play, sending Almiron through as he burst into the box. He hit it past Illan Meslier to make it 1-1.

Jack Harrison stepped up just four minutes later to give the Whites all three points. He calmly struck a brilliant curling effort with the outside of his left foot.

Speaking after the defeat, Bruce told BBC Sport: “Any club near the bottom, if you take out your best players going forward, they make such a huge difference.

“Allan Saint-Maximin has been the one, along with Almiron, who lifts the place up with their ability. To be more of a goal threat, we need him and Ryan Fraser to stay fit.

“If those two stay well and Almiron stays well, then hopefully we have a front three that will create enough to hopefully get us where we want to be.

“This league is demanding and cruel at times. I don’t know if I’ve been on a worse run in 20 years but tonight, I’ve seen a little bit of something and we will start again tomorrow.”