Newcastle United are now just one point above the relegation zone.
The gap has been closed in recent weeks with Fulham now finding form just at the right time, as Steve Bruce’s struggles continue.
Newcastle face Aston Villa on Friday night and have the chance to put some pressure back on Fulham and Brighton.
But few fans will feel confident of a positive result against Dean Smith’s side.
The way the team was set up against 19th-placed West Bromwich Albion left many dismayed.
The message of ‘do not lose’ was crystal clear, and it went completely against the message Bruce put out to the Newcastle faithful back in January.
He had said after the defeat to Sheffield United (via the Guardian): “The gloves are off now and we will do it my way.”
The gloves coming ‘off’ implied Bruce’s Newcastle would start having a go at teams and play with a greater tempo and urgency, but the statistics since those comments are pitiful.
There have been six defeats, just two victories, nine goals scored and 17 conceded.
An embarrassing response
It was supposed to be the turning point of the season.
Losing to bottom club Sheffield United, who hadn’t won a game in the league at that point, was probably the worst moment of the season so far.
The result against Albion at the weekend was not the worst, but the mentality and lack of urgency from the manager, as well as the post-match comments, was embarrassing.
If this is Newcastle with the gloves having been removed, then there’s only one place the club is heading.
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