Steve Bruce assesses Newcastle United system switch – and picks out key player for praise

The Magpies manager switched from a three at the back to a 4-2-3-1 formation at St James’s Park yesterday – and while he admits the system remains a work in progress, he does feel his side packed more of a punch in the final third.

'I was pleased with some aspects, the clean sheet,” said Bruce.

“We’ve had 20 attempts, you don't see that in the Premier League much. It is far more than we’ve had before. There was bits of it I was pleased with, room for improvement. I certainly thought that we were more of a threat.”

Having played more than six hours of football in the top flight and failed to hit the net, Bruce remains frustrated by his side’s lack of cutting edge, though.

He continued: “This is the reason why we changed. The only thing a coach can do is change personnel and shape. It (goals) is our Achilles heel.

“We looked more of a goal threat. Burnley were very good defensively.”

Bruce brought Dwight Gayle in to the side and put Joelinton out to the left – and he was pleased with the way it worked out.

“I certainly thought he is comfortable in the position,” Bruce said of Joelinton’s switch.

“I was pleased for Dwight. He gave us a threat. He hasn't been able to play for seven months.”