Slight improvements not enough to see off Burnley as drought goes on!
Newcastle United 0-0 Burnley
Steve Bruce went into a home game against an improved Burnley side in desperate need of three points as his side slip closer to the relegation places with each passing week.
With only one win in 10 league games, United's recent form is a real cause for concern. Recent performances have been nothing short of atrocious with the Magpies conceding goals and possession at an alarming rate.
Bruce's answer was to call time on 'Rafa's style', telling the press he'd go again with his preferred 'swashbuckling' game-plan. If only!
STARTING XI: Dubravka, Manquillo, Fernandez, Lascelles, Rose, Ritchie, Hayden, Shelvey, Joelinton (Saint-Maximin, 78), Almiron, Gayle
A change in formation, with Almiron given a free role as a number 10, also saw a rare start for Dwight Gayle.
The result did in fact see an improvement after a nervy opening 10 minutes. Almiron lively and with Shelvey pulling the strings on his return to the starting line up.
Full match report to follow...