da bet7k： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
da luck： It is fair to say that many Newcastle fans haven’t been enamoured with Steve Bruce at times since his appointment, but Darren Bent believes he deserves to be praised for his management in recent weeks.
What did he say?
The former Sunderland striker, who spent two years playing under Bruce with the Black Cats, was full of praise for what the Magpies produced against Manchester United, and believes the credit should go to his former boss.
Some Toon fans have opposed the 58-year-old since the day he was appointed, criticising him as an unambitious option. Bruce himself had to declare he wouldn’t be Mike Ashley’s ‘yes man’, such were the doubts over him taking over.
Bruce has therefore faced a somewhat hostile atmosphere, in a position which was already a difficult one to take up given he was following on from the popular Rafa Benitez.
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However, Bent feels he has proven himself on occasion, telling Football Insider: “I was watching the game on Sky and not only what a result, but what a performance. If there was a game where Steve Bruce got his team selection and tactics absolutely spot on, it was then.
“Newcastle were hard to beat, first half they limited Manchester United to that one chance from Maguire header and then Almiron took half a year to shoot.”
The ex-England international also suggested that the Magpies’ boss set-up in the right way against Liverpool a few weeks earlier, and only lost out due to the Reds’ quality.
Positive signs
Bruce took on a challenging job and though he hasn’t got off to the best of starts, with only two wins in eight league games, Bent is right that he deserves some praise.
He may have added an expensive striker in Joelinton over the summer but the Magpies lost two of their most influential players last year in Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez, and their combined 25 goals is difficult to replace.
Despite that, Bruce has earned terrific wins against the Red Devils and away at Tottenham, and if he can make his side more dominant, particularly against weaker teams at home, then he could have a successful season.
Another positive is the recent faith he has shown in youngsters Sean and Matty Longstaff. Both impressed and were crucial to last week’s victory, and if they can maintain their level of performance they could prove key this year, and it will be thanks to Bruce.
Those fans who protest against him should instead get behind their manager and back him and the players in order to create a positive atmosphere which can allow the club to build.