A fortnight of positivity ends with one of the worst performances in recent memory – and, as they say, old habits die hard.
United were torn apart by Brighton on Sunday, barely laying a glove on their more well organised, well equipped and seemingly well coached opponents.
Was that performance the epitome of the Steve Bruce era, or a flash in the pan. We’ve taken a look at the statistics from Bruce’s time on Tyneside – and some make for difficult reading...
5. HOME GOALS (20)
United have scored just 20 goals in 20 home Premier League games under Bruce. That average of just one per game puts him bottom when compared to other Newcastle managers in the modern era. Next worst was Graeme Souness on 1.15 goals-per-game. Photo: MIKE EGERTON
6. HOME GOALS AGAINST (24)
Bruce's home goals against statistic actually holds up reasonably well when it comes to modern day Newcastle managers at 1.20. It is only bettered by Kevin Keegan, Bobby Robson, Kenny Dalglish, Glenn Roeder, Rafa Benitez and Graeme Souness. Photo: -
7. SCORED MORE THAN TWICE (3)
Newcastle have managed to net more than twice just three times under Bruce, two of which came during Project Restart - against Sheffield United and Bournemouth. Photo: OWEN HUMPHREYS