On Saturday afternoon, Steve Bruce was in Dubai with his son Alex, watching England play cricket. He appeared to be in good health. It’s remarkable what a week away from the Premier League’s pressure can do for you.
Meanwhile, much remained the same in Newcastle. Against Chelsea, the team Bruce left behind toiled in vain. At St James’ Park, they didn’t have a single corner and only one shot on target all day. It arrived in the 83rd minute, when they were already three goals down.
Bruce had no choice but to go. That much is undeniable. After all of the squabbles, the club needed a release from him, and vice versa
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A club with aspirations to have a new full-time manager in place by the end of the week. Furthermore, a bunch of players who do not appear to be talented enough to maintain Newcastle in the Premier League.
Coaches have a significant impact. They certainly do. But, in the end, it’s the players who will make or break a season, and after defying gravity for several years — first under Rafa Benitez, then under Bruce — this Newcastle side appears to have succumbed to the passage of time.
Newcastle were playing a very good side, as caretaker Graeme Jones pointed out after the game. They are European champions, and they lead the title race by three points this morning.
They had to be patient in this game and didn’t score until the 65th minute, but there was never any panic. You couldn’t tell that Thomas Tuchel’s club was missing players like Romelu Lukaku and Mason Mount.
Newcastle, on the other hand, was a source of concern. They appeared mentally exhausted from the recent drama and uncertainties.
As Matt Ritchie flew down the left side in the second minute, the home crowd was as enthralled as they had been before kick-off. All of that, however, was not to last.
