Speaking after the match, Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has admitted his side are really struggling for goals this season.
What did he say?
The Magpies drew yet another blank on Saturday afternoon as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Burnley at St James’ Park.
It means the Tyneside club have managed just 24 goals all season in the Premier League, and Bruce was brutally honest about his side’s difficulties in front of goal.
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When asked about going six hours without a goal, he said (as quoted by The Chronicle Live): “It’s the reason why we changed. I’m aware of it. The only thing a coach can do is change shape. I can’t sit here and defend it, it’s what we are. Burnley, with the block on Dwight Gayle’s effort and the one towards the end. It’s what they are.”
Then, when asked about his team’s poor finishing, he replied: “That’s the hardest part. That’s why we’ve changed shape. You don’t often get 20 chances in the Premier League and we need to take one. Therein lies our problem but we need to keep bashing away at it.”
Costly
It’s quite remarkable that even despite being the division’s lowest-scorers, Newcastle are still five points clear of safety and are hanging in 14th in the Premier League table.
But if they continue to misfire in front of goal, and £40m man Joelinton still can’t find his shooting boots, then the Magpies could well be dragged right back down into the relegation dogfight.
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Bruce desperately needs a quick fix to their big problem, or else more drab days like the one against Burnley loom on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Newcastle fans have discussed this ace’s shocking display against Burnley.
