FAB SAVE Schar rescues flop Bruce, who says ‘Big Andy can bring them back’ as Toon fans stay away
concern, but we have had big changes today.”
Graham Pott er ’ s Brighton were by far the better r side – Pascal Gross, Davy Propper and Steve Alzate, on his Premier League debut, , ran the game.
But the Seagulls lacked the firepower to turn their obvious superiority into a win.
The only big roar from the St James’ Park crowd came after 82 minutes – but it wasn’t for a goal.
It was for the introduction of Geordie Carroll, back in black and white for the first time since he become a British reco record £ 35million tr t ra n sfer to L Liverpool in 2011.
That’s what it has come to o on Tyneside. R Roaring on the bi big- g man sub , hoping for a hoof-ball miracle, from a player with a chronic ankle injury.
“He’s one of our own,” sang the home fans, and Carroll (above) lifted the sombre mood, muscled the defence around, won some free- kicks, and caused 10 minutes of panic. That’s what you pay your admission cash for these days.
The point lifted United out of the bottom three, but Aston Villa play today and Bruce’s men face Leicester, Manchester United and Chelsea next.
Newcastle had two good chances. Misfiring Miguel Almiron was played clear on goal by Isaac Hayden in the first half, but blasted at Mat Ryan. He arrived in January for £20m, and still awaits his first goal or assist.
Joelinton, the £ 40m summer signing, has opened his account, but was wasteful in nodding a free header wide.
Worryingly, there is no pattern or identity emerging in Bruce’s team.
He had to make an emergency change of NEWCASTLE BRIGHTON 4 ............. Shots on Target ........... 3 5 ............. Shots off Target........... 6 2 ...............Blocked Shots ............ 7 5 .....................Corners................... 3 12 .......................Fouls ..................... 8 0 .....................Offsides .................. 3 2 .................Yellow Cards ............... 1 0 ...................Red Cards ................0 68.7..... Passing Success %...87.4 56 .................Duels Won ............. 49 53.3........ Duel Success % ..... 46.7 19 .....................Tackles ..................13 52.6 ........ Tackles Won %...... 53.8 29.4 ..........Possession %....... 70.6 48.1 ....... Territorial Adv %..... 51.9 278 .............Total Passes ......... 693 19 ...............Total Crosses ............17 129................ Lost Balls ............. 142 59 ................Recoveries............. 66 24 ............1st Half Poss %. ......... 76 34.9....... 2nd Half Poss %. ..... 65.1 tactics after just 28 insipid minutes, ditching his back five, and going four in defence to bolster his overrun midfield.
No matter what the tactics, though, United lacked aggression, as well as the ability to build attacks.
Br i g hton almost conjured up a late winner, but Fabian Schar came to Newcast le’s rescue, hooking Aaron Connolly’s lob over the bar.
Potter said: “I am disappointed we didn’t win. Our performance level was good. We were just lacking in the final third – but that will come.”