A lot of Newcastle United fans have replied to a post from Keith Downie that contains quotes from Steve Bruce.
The Toon manager has claimed that he understands his team “didn’t play well enough on Sunday [against Tottenham Hotspur] or the week before [against Brighton & Hove Albion].”
However, he then stated that he doesn’t think “it’s got anything to do with style of play” and that “nobody questioned us about our style of play after West Ham“.
Finally, Bruce stated that he does want to change the style of play but that he has had to be “really patient with it“.
These comments have not gone down well with these Newcastle fans who can’t believe what they are hearing.
Do you agree with Bruce?
No, he is a joke
Yes, he is right
This makes no sense seeing as his style v Spurs was completely different to the style v West Ham ??????????
— Wayne Haselden (@WayneHaselden) September 29, 2020
Man is so out of his depth it hurts…
Style of play has EVERYTHING to do with the results and play we are seeing.
— Luke (@Luke_NUFC) September 29, 2020
What was the style then Steve we didn’t have a shot on target in nearly 2 whole games of football. Is the style play for 0-0 because that’s how it looks.
— Newcastle United 365 (@365Newcastle) September 29, 2020
Newcastle have managed to pick up four points from their first three games in the Premier League and have scored with every single shot on target they have had in the league this season.
However, against Brighton, they did not manage even a single shot on target, and then against Tottenham, the Toon managed just one and that was Callum Wilson’s penalty.
So, it seems bizarre to say that this has nothing to do with the style of play, especially in the game against Spurs as Bruce went with a 5-4-1 formation.
This post continued to draw the attention of angry Toon fans.
Patient?! He’s had over a year, how much longer does he need to change the style of play?
— Callum Vass (@CallumVass) September 29, 2020
Obviously it has to do with style of play! We play to defend a 0-0 draw! Bruce out!
— Kieran NufcMad (@Bryant15594) September 29, 2020
We have no style of play. Defensive stability and organisation is now just replaced by numbers in box as we’ve been constantly exposed as evidenced by oppo shots at us. No confidence on the break/transition which is slow and indecisive therefore not a break. Awful in possession
— derek bird?????? (@derekbird3) September 29, 2020
If Bruce really believes our style of play is any way positive, we have a serious issue on our hands. #NUFC https://t.co/7K7CHVyIcG
— Shane Saunders (@ShaneSaunders88) September 29, 2020
Newcastle have the likes of Wilson, Ryan Fraser, and Allan Saint-Maximin in their side now, who have all proven to various levels that they can score or provide assists in the Premier League.
So, you would think Bruce might allow the Toon to play with a bit more freedom.
However, only three shots on target in three games suggest that the shackles are still on, and these Toon fans appear to have had enough of Bruce’s tactics.