In what may be the biggest match of the season for Newcastle United, Steve Bruce’s side laid a massive egg in a 3-0 defeat vs. Brighton. The Seagulls got goals from Leandro Trossard, Danny Welbeck, and Neal Maupay in the blowout at the AMEX.
With both clubs in the relegation battle, Brighton looked far superior to the Magpies, despite a return from Miguel Almiron. Newcastle registered ZERO shots on target with only three total shots and just 34% possession. They needed a win today and instead, they were hammered by the club just one place above them on the table.
The club also lost Isaac Hayden in this match to what appeared to be a significant leg injury. He was inexplicably replaced by Jeff Hendrick, to the chagrin of Newcastle supporters everywhere.
While the shouts for Bruce to be sacked have been going on for a long time, this must be the nail in the coffin. His tactics were poor from the opening whistle and per usual, he refused to adjust until it was too late.
Newcastle United barely show up in a blowout loss vs. Brighton.
If Mike Ashley decides to do the right thing, a new manager (preferably Eddie Howe or Graeme Jones) can get a chance to work through the international break before trying to pull the Magpies up out of this tailspin.
Newcastle United remain ahead of Fulham by two points and have a match in hand, but neither of those things will matter much if the club keeps playing as poorly as they are.
What’s Next?
Good news for the Toon Army as they won’t have to watch the club struggle in the Premier League with an international break arriving. The Magpies will return on April 4th against Spurs.