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 t heir 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 f or t he introduction of Geordie ■ After winning five consecutive home Premier League games between January and March, Newcastle have only one win in their last six at St James’ Park (W1 D2 L3). Carroll, back in black and white for the first time since he become a British record reco £ 35million transfer tr to Liverpool L in 2011.
That’s what it has come to on o Tyneside. Roaring R on the bi g- g man s ub , 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 ■ Brighton are unbeaten in the Premier League against Newcastle (W2 D3), their joint-best PL record without defeat against an opponent (also 5 v West Ham). 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 i dentity emerging in Bruce’s team.
He had to make an emergency change of 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 h t o n a l most conjured up a late winner, but Fabian Schar came to Newcast l e’s r escue, 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.”