Fabian Schar was Newcastle’s hero against Brighton. It seemed certain that Aaron Connolly’s delightful chip would cross the line, but Schar’s acrobatics off the line saved the day for the Magpies.
It preserved an undeserved point for Steve Bruce’s side, but BBC pundit Garth Crooks believes it could mean more than that.
After naming Schar in his team of the week, Crooks wrote: “The chip by Aaron Connolly was a certain goal and it needed something very special from a defender to clear the danger.
“That moment of magic came from Fabian Schar whose clearance off the line was nothing short of amazing.
“The clearance off the line by Schar could, come the end of the season, be Newcastle and Steve Bruce’s lifeline.”
Just how crucial will Saturday’s point prove to be? Right now, it doesn’t seem like it will matter. When you look at the competition, it’s hard to see where Newcastle are going to get wins and really kick on under Bruce.
The draw against Brighton should be a wake up call for Newcastle and especially Bruce. He got away with it against the Seagulls, courtesy of a dramatic clearance from one of his star performers.
Schar’s heroics saved Bruce’s bacon, but that won’t be the case every week. We still need to find a way of winning games.
Brighton played us off the park with their quick passing and movement. They really should’ve battered us.
Bruce now has another week to work with his players and come up with a plan, because otherwise it could be a pretty bleak trip to Leicester on Sunday.
The fans won’t warm to Bruce until he starts picking up some wins. And he isn’t going to start winning games unless he comes up with a style of play that suits his players.
While Crooks may think Schar’s clearance is a lifeline for Bruce, it speaks volumes that he already needs one.
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