Lacklustre, jaded Saint-Maximin as impressive Rose flourishes centrally – Liam Kennedy's SEVEN Newcastle United takeaways

In all seriousness, it’s difficult to see what Steve Bruce will have learned from this 90 minutes – but here’s seven things he can take from the Amex bore draw.

Steve Bruce's 'I'd rather watch paint dry' Mags

If there's ever an advert for an end of season game with little to nothing riding on it, this would be it. Not that anyone would ever want to watch that either.

Newcastle looked a side whose feet were well and truly up - and I suppose can you blame them? Brighton hardly brought their 'A game' did they?

Game pace suited Bentaleb

The pace of this one really suited Nabil Bentaleb in the centre of the United midfield - it's a shame so few games are played at such a pedestrian tempo.

He was better but it's coming from a relatively low base.

There is a player in there, of that I have no doubt - but a consistent Premier League one for Newcastle? Still a no from me.

New career for Danny Rose?

Maybe that's a bit of a push. But credit where credit is due, the England international looked at home in the centre.

Defensively sound, it is no surprise to see Rose settle in so well there.

Taking it game-by-game, but you have to say he's made a case to be signed up permanently.

Krafth credit

He has not looked at home on the right of a four, the centre. The right of a five, the centre, so far this season.

Last night was better.

He had little challenge - and he was particularly shown up v Harry Kane at the weekend - but you have to call it as you see it, and he was brave in the tackle and solid in terms of positioning. All you can ask.

Why not Watts and why no Longstaff (AGAIN!)?

The game was a dead-rubber. United will finish 13th or 14th, no higher, no lower. Points matter little so why not try a kid or two with a point to prove. It might just have added the energy and impetus needed in a dull encounter at the AMEX Stadium.

A game (or three) too many for ASM

Allan Saint-Maximin looks jaded. He's tired, but he won't lie down.

After pulling up with a calf problem towards the end of the Spurs defeat, few thought he'd get an hour or so under his belt in this one. But he did, even if he had little to no impact.

It was a lacklustre show from the Frenchman, but no surprise to see that kind of performance given the lack of breaks he's had since football started up again.

Five-yard headers. Meat and drink for Andy Carroll? Well, Maybe not.

He's a beast in the air, but you win some you lose some I suppose.

Andy Carroll will not be presented with a better opportunity to get off the mark for the season. Matt Ritchie's cross put one on a plate at the back post, but somehow, he headed wide.

It'll come... I think.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Shields Gazette website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.