Steve Bruce challenged on damning Newcastle United statistics

The club is 15th in the Premier League – and seven points above the relegation zone – ahead of tonight’s game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Bruce came in for more criticism after last weekend’s 2-0 home defeat to Chelsea.

The club has had fewer shots – and shots on target – than any other top-flight team, while Karl Darlow has made more saves than any other Premier League goalkeeper. Newcastle’s players have also made more blocks and clearances than any other team – and only one other team has had fewer touches in the attacking third of the pitch.

Bruce, appointed 16 months ago, was asked about those statistics ahead of the Palace game – and he pointed to the club’s 2-1 win over Everton early this month.

“I’m not happy with the last two games, the way we played,” said United’s head coach. “But the way we played against Everton delighted me – we thoroughly deserved to win the match.

"The way we played against Wolves, we did OK in the game. We didn’t deserve to get beaten in that one, and we drew.

"We can look at stats. When we got the sack at Aston Villa, it came out that there had only been Man City in that calendar year who had scored more goals than Aston Villa.

"You can do all sorts with statistics. I know one thing – we haven’t played well enough last couple of games, and we have to improve. We certainly have to improve.”

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