Bruce ‘concerned’ at manner of capitulation – which angered fans

Steve Bruce says he was left “concerned” by Newcastle United’s capitulation at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal ran out 4-0 winners after scoring four second-half goals.

Newcastle had had the better of the first half, but they became “ragged” as they chased the game.

Head coach Bruce said: “I’ve said many times that we’re not really capable of changing, and you probably saw that towards the end. We changed things to try to get back into it, but we did become ragged.

“When we open up, we lose it at the other end, and become too open. I have to say Martin (Dubravka) has been fantastic all season, but it’s a poor mistake. Then when you see Lacazette hit one and the ball come off his other foot and go in the top corner, you know it’s not your day. The way we were so open at the end is a concern.”

Newcastle United produced an abysmal second half performance as Arsenal ran riot at the Emirates, and goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette made them pay.

Understandably, Newcastle fans were outraged – and here is how some reacted on social media:

@AsimC86: Dear lord Bruce. What a sad little half time talk.

@jnewmarch: Really poor second half. Bad all over the park, ASM the only glimmer of hope.

@callumhutchiso8: We were all over them first half it was an even game but as soon as they score one goal our heads drop what is that all about something needs to be changed.

@DanMcmahonF1: Have we still got the receipts for Lazaro and Bentaleb? #NUFC

@davehodgkins2: How poor and disinterested are the Newcastle fullbacks ? No thank you Lazaro and Rose.

@Crowdinho: Very underwhelming start for two new #nufc wing-backs. Lazaro at fault for two goal.

*Meanwhile Ciaran Clark is facing a spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury – after leaving the Emirates Stadium on crutches.

“It doesn’t look great, the state of his ankle, leaving the ground on crutches,” Steve Bruce told BBC Radio Newcastle.

“I can’t say now how bad it is, but it’s bad enough.”

The disappointing result left United in 13th place ahead of Saturday’s game away to Crystal Palace.