DOOM AT TOON: WHAT’S GONE WRONG AT ST JAMES’ PARK?

FORM FAILURE

The tame 3-0 loss at Arsenal was a fourth straight reverse this year and their ninth game without a win in all competitions since pipping West Brom 2-1 in December. That sorry sequence includes a 1-0 Carabao Cup exit at Brentford and defeat by the same score to give Sheffield United a first league win.

STRIKING FEAR

Callum Wilson’s £20million summer capture from Bournemouth was designed to address a long-standing shortage of goals and he scored eight in his first 13 games, albeit four from the penalty spot. But Wilson’s last goal was on December 19 and Jeff Hendrick is the only other man to have scored more than once in the league. Andy Carroll’s consolation against Leicester is the only goal Newcastle have scored in almost 11 hours of football.

WHY THE DROUGHT?

Boss Steve Bruce (left) favours a counter-attacking game but Allan Saint-Maximin’s prolonged absence as he shakes off the after-effects of coronavirus has blunted that. His skill and pace are sorely missed. Miguel Almiron showed flashes of his direct approach at Arsenal but Joelinton has never come close to justifying the £40m he cost in July 2019. Wilson can’t even be accused of missing chances, with the Magpies so short of creativity.

BRUCE TO BLAME?

Fans are bemused at what they see as the manager’s negativity but that is partly due to a squad lacking in quality after some haphazard recruitment and owner Mike Ashley’s reluctance to invest further. Bruce has attempted to adapt Rafa Benitez’s conservative approach — without much success — and has never garnered the same goodwill as his predecessor.

SINKING FEELING

The gap to the relegation zone is closing quickly – Newcastle are just seven points clear. Having twice changed manager too late to avoid the drop, Ashley must decide if he has faith in Bruce to keep them up.