Another woeful performance from Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United.
The Magpies were absolutely battered by Chelsea, with two first half goals piling even more pressure on the Toon boss.
To his credit, Bruce continued with the more attacking formation that brought success against Everton and Southampton. But that’s where the praise stops.
From minute one, Newcastle didn’t look like they would get anything from Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea created so many openings all night, and will probably be disappointed that they didn’t win by more.
They also nullified Newcastle’s attack – particularly Allan Saint-Maximin.
The Frenchman had a quiet night, with Cesar Azpilicueta doing a real job on him.
After 72 minutes he was replaced by Ryan Fraser. This was a decision that irked a lot of Newcastle fans.
Yet despite this excuse for Newcastle’s shortcomings, Bruce continues to avoid playing the pair together.
Unsurprisingly, Fraser failed to have any real impact off the bench. In truth, no one in a black and white shirt impressed.
Newcastle needed a lift in the second half. Yet rather than bring on Fraser early and get him playing with Saint-Maximin, Bruce decided to replace one with the other when the game was already gone.
It was a terrible performance, and this decision by Bruce was one of many things that angered fans.
Toon fans question Bruce decision
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