Newcastle United takeover: These are the damning stats that could seal Steve Bruce fate with new owners as deal nears
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Supporters have called for head coach Steve Bruce to be sacked – but that will no longer be the Sports Direct tycoon’s problem.
Instead, the decision will be left to the Magpies’ owners-in-waiting – and we take you through the damning statistics that could quickly make up their minds:
SEVEN WINS IN 37 GAMES
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Hide AdA quite shocking record and at any other club, probably one that is enough to see a manager sacked.
Ever since Newcastle beat West Brom at St James’s Park in December last year, they’ve won just seven times.
Those victories came against Everton (A), Southampton (H), Burnley (A), West Ham (H), Leicester City (A), Sheffield United (H) and Fulham (A).
Of course, In United’s eight games in all competitions this season, they’re yet to claim three points, and exited the Carabao Cup and the first hurdle to Burnley.
GOALS AND SHOTS CONCEDED
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Hide AdNewcastle have already shipped 16 goals this season, a joint-league worst with bottom club Norwich City. United, however, come out on top in the xGA area with 15.63.
On average, Bruce’s side are conceding more than two goals a game and that is despite Freddie Woodman and Karl Darlow being the fourth busiest goalkeepers in the division with 23 saves between them.
In total, United have allowed 109 at their goal – the joint-highest with Leicester City, which is an average of 14.14 per 90 minutes.
THE ATTACKING AREA
To give Bruce credit in this particularly damning statistic piece, Newcastle are actually much improved in the attacking area.
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Hide AdBut as Bruce has persistently said “it’s about getting the balance right” and it is the defensive side proving to be the Achilles heel.
In an attacking sense, United have registered the 10th highest shots with 84 in total, averaging 10.89 per 90 minutes.
Only 32.1% of those have tested the opposition goalkeeper but while that’s low, it’s still the 11th best in the division.
Indeed, 114 touches in the box puts United fifth but that is unevenly spread out, with their 14.78 per matches seeing them fall to 14th.
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Hide AdNewcastle’s desire to get crosses into the box is highlighted through their 104 so far, also 10th highest.
Expected goals stands at 10.11, compared to the eight Bruce’s men have actually scored.
POSSESSION
Possession is up slightly from last season, though it wasn’t exactly a high target.
Newcastle have averaged 44.5% in games so far – the fourth worst in the division, as is their 2299 passes.
EXPECTED POINTS
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Hide AdAll of that accumulates to an expected points total of seven, which would put Newcastle mid-table on the same tally as Crystal Palace and Watford.
Instead, Bruce’s side sit 19th in the Premier League with three points and no wins from their opening seven matches.
STEVE BRUCE’S WIN PERCENTAGE
The embarrassing form in the last 10 months has not only hurt Newcastle but Bruce too.
His Magpies win percentage stands at a mere 29.2% – the lowest of his managerial career from the 10 clubs he has taken charge of.
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Hide AdAs a Premier League manager, he’s overseen 475 games, winning 133, drawing 132 and 210, acclimating in an average win percentage of 28%.
During his time as a top-flight manager, he’s been crowned manager of the month once, which came in April this year.
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