Alan Shearer has heaped praise on Steve Bruce after he picked up his first win in charge of Newcastle United.
The former Magpies’ forward hailed Bruce for delivering the perfect response to critics after seeing his former side pick up a 1-0 victory away at Tottenham.
Writing in his column for the Sun, Shearer hailed Bruce and his coaching staff and pointed out that Bruce’s tactics and decision to play a 5-4-1 formation worked to perfection.
“Grit, determination, togetherness and a system they look to be enjoying,” Shearer highlighted.
“Not many gave Newcastle a chance so to go to Tottenham and perform in the way they did is a great credit to the players, Steve Bruce and his staff.”
“We saw a team that was very well organised and their 5-4-1 set-up worked to perfection. They had everything in that performance.”
Bruce decided to add an extra man in the final third against Spurs, as Allan Saint-Maximin was drafted into the starting line-up, with fellow forward Joelinton scoring the winner midway through the first half.
OPINION
In adding that extra man in attack, Bruce made a great decision. In the first two games of the season, both Miguel Almiron and Joelinton were way too isolated which led to the Magpies creating minimal chances to score against both Arsenal and Norwich. It was a great way to silence the critics for the Magpies’ boss, who had come under pressure from claims from people such as Michael Chopra, who suggested to talkSPORT that he doesn’t work on tactics and team shape in training – a rumour that diminished as the full-time whistle was blown in North London. Tottenham struggled to create clear cut chances all afternoon against the Magpies, who set up with a solid base of five-at-the-back. Newcastle’s pressure and determination to win the ball back was a tactic that disrupted Tottenham all game and led to the home side losing the ball 29 times, three more times than the Magpies [WhoScored]. Newcastle must not rest on their laurels though and continue to push forward under Bruce, who has more than proved that he can mix with the big hitters in the top-flight, and pick up points whilst doing just that.
