'Saving grace' - Graeme Souness delivers verdict on Newcastle United fans ahead of clash against Tottenham

The Magpies, who have not won in the Premier League since February, face Spurs this afternoon.

Indeed, Steve Bruce’s side could slip into the relegation spots today if results don’t go their way.

Former Newcastle United boss Souness, however, believes there is one ‘saving grace’ for Newcastle’s players following a terrible performance against Brighton & Hove Albion last time out.

Souness said on Sky Sports: “They have not performed, they have not got enough points and I think it is worrying if you’re a Newcastle supporter.

“If you look at the last game against Brighton, there’s no fight and they are in a fight. They are quickly approaching the last chance saloon.”

He continued: “You have to get some points on the board because if you are playing under pressure and you need to win, some players don’t respond very well to that.

“A saving grace for them, I think, having worked at the club is that the stadium is empty because the crowd would not be slow in voicing their disappointment in the team.

“If the players have a right go physically they will generally accept that.

“Last time out Newcastle didn’t show that and that would have been the biggest disappointment for Steve Bruce.”

Newcastle United are just two points and one place ahead of 18th placed Fulham, who occupy the third and final Premier League relegation spot, but the Magpies do have a game in hand on the Londoners.

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