After the Magpies head coach lauded his side’s 0-0 draw at 19th placed West Bromwich Albion, Fulham, a few hours later, went to the home of the English champions and recorded an outstanding 1-0 victory.
While the point at the Hawthorns keeps United out of the bottom three for another week, Scott Parker’s side have closed the safety net to just one point.
With 11 games to go, Newcastle, despite Bruce remaining “quietly confident”, are doing nothing to convince their fans that they will indeed retain their Premier League status.
A number of supporters believe Bruce needs to be sacked in order for their club to have the best possible chance of avoiding the drop into the Championship.
However, as per the Daily Telegraph, the United hierarchy of Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley have no plans to relieve the 60-year-old of his duties.
Indeed, it is claimed he will “definitely” be in charge for the visit of former club Aston Villa to St James’s Park on Friday evening, despite winning just twice in 18 matches.
Meanwhile, former Newcastle striker Ivan Toney is being linked with a big-money return to the Premier League.
Here are the latest headlines from Newcastle, including more on Toney, and their Premier League rivals:
. NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 03: A general view of the sun setting behind the West stand of St James' Park, during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St. James Park on January 03, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
St James's Park, the home of Newcastle United Football Club. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Photo: Stu Forster
1. Chelsea plan Christensen talks
Chelsea are planning to offer defender Andreas Christensen a new contract following the Denmark international’s superb form under head coach Thomas Tuchel. (Daily Telegraph) Photo: Richard Heathcote
2. Hammers join Kalajdzic race
West Ham United have joined RB Leipzig and Roma in the race for Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic, who is likely to be available for around £15m. David Moyes also holds an interest in Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham and Slavia Prague’s Abdallah Sima. (Daily Mail) Photo: Stuart Franklin
3. Ryan expected to remain at Arsenal
Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Mat Ryan is expected to turn his Arsenal loan into a permanent switch at the end of the season. The Australian moved to the Emirates in January. (Football.London) Photo: Shaun Botterill
4. Brownhill in-demand
West Ham United, Aston Villa, Wolves, Southampton and Crystal Palace have all scouted Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill in recent months after becoming a key part of Sean Dyche’s starting XI. (TEAMTalk) Photo: JOHN WALTON