Steve Bruce reveals what was wrong with his Newcastle United side

Steve Bruce bemoaned a “passive” first half from his players after Newcastle United’s disappointing defeat at Villa Park.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Goals from Conor Hourihane and Anwar El Ghazi gave Aston Villa a 2-0 win tonight. The result left Bruce’s side 14th in the Premier League ahead of Saturday’s home game against Manchester City.

“The first half, in particular, we were nowhere near where we have been in the last few seasons,” said head coach Bruce. “We were passive with the ball and without it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I have to say until the first goal there was nothing in it. Conor, we all know what he is capable of, arguably we could have defended a bit better. That changes it. We had opportunities to change the game after half-time – that would have been key.

“We had one or two chances, the more we chased the more open we became. In the Premier League, the more difficult it becomes.”