Newcastle far from impressive – How does Steve Bruce still have the job?

Another loss for Newcastle and yet Steve Bruce looks comfortable in his position. Should the Premier League side be thinking about cutting ties now already?

Newcastle can count their blessing that there are some teams doing worse than themselves this season. If it wasn’t for other Premier League clubs failing week in and week out, they’d be the ones in a relegation scrap.

The warning signs are there and if the Magpies continue to perform as they have over the last several games, they will find themselves fighting for survival and in one of the relegation slots.

Despite the drop in form and the inability to actually win games where they defend well in, Mike Ashley will continue to back Steve Bruce.

"Newcastle United’s 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Tuesday evening heaped more pressure on boss Steve Bruce.Steve Bruce retains the support of Newcastle owner Mike Ashley, despite fans calling for him to be sacked following defeat to Sheffield United.Despite unrest amongst the club’s fan base it is understood Ashley has a healthy working relationship with Bruce, who he believes remains the right man to turn results and form around and, more importantly, keep Newcastle out of the relegation zone. (Via: Sky Sports)"

How bad has Steve Bruce been?

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This week, Newcastle was the first team to take no points against Sheffield United, who have finally won their first game in the Premier League.

Besides being unable to unlock the Blades’ defensive line, they lost another player to a red card – ultimately making the possibility of a comeback in the game even harder.

Matchday 12 of the EPL was the last time the Toons took all three points, beating West Brom 2-1 at St. James’ Park. That was back in December last year. Since then, there has been nothing to celebrate for Newcastle.

They’ve lost every game barring two, which were draws. Bruce’s side have played eight games, lost six and drew two since their Baggies victory, including a FA Cup exit by the hands of Arsenal.

They now sit uncomfortably in 15th place on 19 points and are only five points away from a drop spot. If they maintain this poor form over the next couple of games, both Burnley (16th place on 16 points) and Brighton (17th place on 14th place) could overtake them soon.

The Magpies have struggled to win more than one game in a row. From the opening day to date, they have not won back-to-back games. Where will they pick up their next points?

Newcastle next five fixtures

Arsenal vs. Newcastle (A)
Newcastle vs. Leeds United (H)
Everton vs. Newcastle (A)
Newcastle vs. Crystal Palace (H)
Southampton vs. Newcastle (A)

With all this in mind, should Steve Bruce still have a job? Is it time for Mike Ashley and the club to start considering other candidates for the managerial post who could change their approach to games?

Change is needed and is required sooner rather than later. If it doesn’t happen soon enough Mike Ashley will see his club relegation-threatened and then inevitably demoted to the Championship.