NEWCASTLE UNITED BRIGHTON THAT’S

STEVE BRUCE is facing a sustained battle against relegation on the evidence of this dreadful display.

He has joined Steve Mcclaren as the only Newcastle bosses to fail to win any of their first three home games in charge, and saw his side jeered off.

“I can understand their frustration against a very decent Brighton team,” said Bruce.

“First half, disappointing. I always knew the start to the season was going to be difficult.” Newcastle are a much diminished Premier League outfit this term, left behind by tactical innovation and clever investment by rivals.

This resembled an FA Cup tie, with Brighton the illustrious visitors, and Newcastle hanging on.

Three seasons ago, both clubs were promoted out of the Championship and that is where the Geordies risk heading back unless something improves.

They had just 29 per cent of the possession. At home. To Brighton.

No wonder the fan base has dwindled, with 43,316 here – the lowest for a league game for nine years. “The only thing we can do to bring them back is win a couple of games and try,” said Bruce.

Asked whether he had a squad who can impose themselves on a game, rather than merely soak up pressure, he said: “At the moment, we have not seen it. They have been used to playing in a certain way. I have tried not to change anything too much yet.

“We made changes in the second half and that made us certainly better.

“The subs improved us – Big Andy [Carroll] up front and Alain SaintMaximin did well.

“Lack of chances is a