This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Steve Bruce has got a lot of things right as manager of Newcastle so far but his view on possible transfers is quite a perplexing one.
At the end of last month, he declared that he was “happy” with the players at his disposal and suggested that signings wouldn’t be made for the sake of it, and only if they are the right fit.
That coud be viewed as sensible thinking, but Newcastle’s squad simply isn’t good enough and therefore reinforcements are needed quickly.
It is surprising that Bruce has taken this stance, despite the recent positive results. His early-season plans to play a more expansive style with Miguel Almiron playing more or less alongside Joelinton proved to be a disaster with defeats against Arsenal and Norwich, and he has now resorted to a rigid style which makes his side difficult to beat.
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His system is working well, but it is only in place due to the limitations of his players, and the surrendering of possession – averaging just 38% this season – encapsulates that.
Another sign of the lack of quality is the ineffectiveness of the Magpies’ attack, particularly from open play. Newcastle have scored just ten goals from those scenarios and at times their only real threat is Allan Saint-Maximin, who has still only delivered one goal in 12 games.
He left St. James’ Park on crutches after the win against Southampton and although Bruce admitted that he would “kick himself” if the injury is a lengthy one, there appears to be no urgency to bring in a new body – as per Lee Charnley’s update.
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Newcastle ground out that win thanks to goals which ultimately came as a result of set-pieces, once again relying on a defender for the winner.
Bruce’s defenders have now amassed nine strikes between them, a worrying seven goals more than his strikers have managed, yet he continues to persist with Joelinton and has ostracised Yoshinori Muto from the squad, who has only one league start this term.
There is a clear need for greater competition up-front as although Andy Carroll has proved useful of late, his fitness makes him a worry, and the lack of goals could ultimately lead to a downturn in results and a slip down the table.
Fans have made their feelings known in regard to the club’s position on transfers, and it doesn’t reflect well on Bruce.