It could yet be a happy new year for United
AGAINST THE FOXES WILL SET UP 2021 VERY NICELY
PERHAPS “enjoyment” was the wrong term used by Steve Bruce when describing the experience of watching a goalless draw with Liverpool.
However, Newcastle United fans will probably have been satisfied with what can only be deemed a bonus point against the champions.
For all the garbage spouted from ill-informed pundits who think Newcastle fans are demanding cups and European football, this performance summed up what supporters are really asking for – a team which tries.
We are not even talking about pressing high up the field and creating a dozen chances per game.
More simply a side which puts its bodies on the line for those who support the club through thick and thin.
As players hacked clear frantically, and the likes of Fabian Schar swept one dramatically off the line, while others won free-kicks to relieve pressure against Liverpool, this felt much more like it for those watching back home. If they can replicate the performance against Leicester City on Sunday it will not be as poor a festive period as many expected.
Let’s be honest, to have one point collected from an available nine from Manchester City, Liverpool and Leicester is already more than most expected.
If Bruce can snare a point or even a shock win against the Foxes this could make for a decent platform going into 2021.
The Magpies picked up their 19th point of the season against Liverpool and sit in 14th place in the Premier League.
It is not exactly the top-10 position Steve Bruce spoke of at the end of
July but there have been mitigating factors caused by the Covid outbreak in his squad in late 2020.
Compare where Newcastle are after 15 games to last season and they have exactly the same amount of points in the bag at the same stage.
Only they have done it differently, spluttering to two draws in the last three games compared to a win away at Sheff United last term.
At the same stage in 2018/19, Bruce is six points better off than previous boss Rafa Benitez after 15 games while the 2017/18 campaign saw United on 15 points after 15 matches.
United are eight points clear of the drop zone going into the new year and, while they cannot discount themselves from the relegation battle just yet, January and February offer a huge opportunity for them.
They face strugglers Sheffield United away and a home game with an attracrive Leeds side.
Then in the next month the Magpies have home games against midtable Crystal Palace and Southampton. If they can post 10 to 12 points in early 2021, they will be close to safety and in the eyes of Mike Ashley that will be job done again.
However. they would need a top10 finish and another cup run to keep fans genuinely convinced the club are doing anything other than making up the numbers in the top flight.
Fabian Schar’s clearance brought back memories
Older fans fondly recall a spectacular overhead clearance from Barry Venison in an FA Cup tie at Luton back in the day while others talk about Alan Neilsen’s last-gasp sliding challenge at Leeds from the same season.
Both moments summed up the spirit and determination of the Entertainers.
Then there was Paul Dummett’s overhead effort off the line which prevented a certain goal in a draw at Bournemouth.
Schar’s sweeping clearance to deny Sadio Mane is right up there and he joined a special club on Wednesday night.