Bruce ‘delighted’ with Newcastle after ‘difficult week’
Steve Bruce was delighted with Newcastle United’s attitude as they beat Crystal Palace 2-0 at Selhurst Park.
It was a closely-fought contest between the two sides on Friday night. Each team exchanged good chances throughout the game, but they were left frustrated at not being able to find a breakthrough.
They looked set to share the points until Newcastle’s forwards struck to steal all three points late on.
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In the 88th minute, Joelinton played in his strike partner, Callum Wilson. The Englishman made no mistake as his left-footed shot went under Vicente Guaita and into the net.
Palace were causing Newcastle problems at the time, but the away side struck against the run of play to seemingly secure the victory. Two minutes later, they finished the game off as Joelinton’s effort deflected into the net off of Gary Cahill.
This victory moves the Magpies up to tenth in the table ahead of the rest of this weekend’s fixtures. Palace meanwhile are 13th having been overtaken by Newcastle on Friday night.
In his post-match interview, as cited by BBC Sport: Bruce said he was pleased with how his side responded to a tough week as they beat Crystal Palace on Friday night:
“Both teams find it difficult to score a goal and we were looking for that little bit of quality. We weren’t clinical enough and I thought it was going to cost us but then we got it for the goals. Callum [Wilson] is a goalscorer and he has that instinct, That’s his seventh goal now and that’s a tremendous return.
“There is no disputing that Joelinton has found it difficult but I’ve said many times that some take a little more time than others. But we’re delighted he’s scored a goal.”
“I’m delighted with the attitude. It’s been a difficult week but we’ve responded in the right way.”
Bruce praised Joelinton for his impressive showing after the game:
He added: “We created a few opportunities and missed the right pass and that little bit of quality. That bit of quality the two strikers did show they have both scored from. Winning late on is not a bad trait to have. The players have responded at the end of a tough week.
“It doesn’t matter about the price tag and where you come from, sometimes you need time. In Joe’s case, the price tag and number nine shirt meant he struggled at times. But the kid wants to do well. He has a lot of opportunities tonight but we are starting to see him now with his strength.”
Liverpool were meant to run out of steam. David Moyes wasn’t supposed to still be in a job. Oops.