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:
5. Palace still in Lundstram hunt
Crystal Palace remain in the hunt for Sheffield United midfielder John Lundstram, whose contract expires at the end of the season. The 27-year-old has also been linked with a move to Burnley. (Daily Mirror) Photo: Stu Forster
6. Silva targeted by Man Utd
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Andre Silva is on the radar of Manchester United and Atletico Madrid. Silva could be sold for around £30million to 35million. (Todofichajes - in Spanish) Photo: Stuart Franklin
7. Sanderson on PL trio's radar
Wolves defender Dion Sanderson, who is impressing on loan at League One side Sunderland, is attracting interest from Sheffield United, Brighton and Crystal Palace as he enters the final year of his contract. (Daily Mail) Photo: Pete Norton
8. Toney valued at £30m
Leeds United, Wolves, Arsenal, Leicester City and West Ham are showing interest in £30millon-rated Brentford striker Ivan Toney after scoring 25 goals in the Championship so far this season. (TEAMTalk) Photo: George Wood