Newcastle’s lacklustre performance in the goal-less draw with Brighton on Saturday left a bitter taste in the mouth for many fans, who knew the importance of winning it.
For a game that was described as a “cup final” by Steve Bruce, and a “six-pointer” by Jamaal Lascelles in the build up, the home side played for the first 70 minutes like it was an end of season, mid-table affair.
There seemed little urgency and determination, with Newcastle happy to sit back and let the visitors bring the game to them.
Let that sink in for a moment.
Newcastle let Brighton – who have not won a game since the opening weekend – dominate the game, and allowed them to have 71 per cent of the possession at St James’ Park.
Newcastle substitutes changed the momentum
Only when Allan Saint-Maximin and Andy Carroll came on, did the intensity pick up.
In fact, in the cameo that Saint-Maximin played, he was head and shoulders above than any other player on the pitch.
Whether it means starting the Frenchman and Carroll for Friday’s game at Leicester, or not, Newcastle simply must play a whole 90 minutes at that high level.
Quite why Newcastle did not try to dominate the game on Saturday, and were happy to drop back and sit in, surrendering all the initiative, is anyone’s guess.
It was an appalling display, from a side that did not look like they have the stomach for the relegation fight that performances like Saturday, suggest this season will be.
Tactically, the buck stops with Bruce. The lack of desire, rests solely on the players on the pitch.
They got booed off at both half-time and full-time, and deservedly so, and the spineless showing suggested it will not be the last time it happens this season either.
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