Take nothing for granted in opening game

NEWCASTLE United avoided one of the big guns on the opening weekend of the Premier League season when the top-flight fixture list spluttered out for another campaign – but Steve Bruce is refusing to take West Ham lightly.

The Hammers looked in real trouble before the lockdown but managed to pick up three victories and three draws in their last nine games to fend off the threat of relegation last term.

A tense 2-2 draw at St James’ Park showed David Moyes’ side were improving back in July as Newcastle had to twice fight back after going behind.

Bruce played down talk of the opening day clash being a less daunting start compared to the clash with Arsenal in 2019.

Bruce told the Chronicle: “In my experience, it doesn’t matter who you play – if you get a result then great. We all love to get off to a good start. We had an unbelievably difficult start to last season with games against Arsenal and Tottenham plus newly promoted Norwich, which turned into an awful afternoon.

“We had the top six in the first nine games too. But we know what the Premier League is and no matter who you play. They all have top players and we know it’ll be difficult.”

Newcastle will start the new season without the backing of their fans due to the pandemic meaning it was way back in February that Toon fans experienced the thrill of roaring their side on St James’ Park. But there are indications that at least some fans will soon be allowed back in their seats with October mooted as a return date. Bruce said: “I sincerely hope so.

“We’re all delighted that the season got finished and we’ve seen a bit of it. But it certainly isn’t the same. A full house at St James’ Park is such a difficult place for any team to come and play.

“So we have missed it more than most. If we ever want a reminder of what the game is about we just need to keep playing closed doors to say it is all about the supporters.”

Before then, United have a packed friendly fixture list with games against Barnsley, Boro then Stoke City to come before the visit to West Ham at the London Stadium, a venue in which Bruce tasted victory at last season. Bruce said: “Crewe played us at the training camp. Barnsley, Boro and Stoke will follow. So it’s a decent preparation but very quick in terms of turnaround. We start in less than three weeks and that’s quite unbelievable but there you go that’s what we are up against.”