Chris Sutton delivers impassioned defence of Newcastle manager Steve Bruce

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Chris Sutton has told BBC Radio 5 Live that he cannot understand those criticising Steve Bruce, after he guided Newcastle United to a sensational 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

Newcastle narrowly suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal during the opening weekend of the 2019-20 campaign, before suffering a helpless 3-1 collapse against newly-promoted Norwich City.

It looked as though the odds were stacked against them on Sunday, at Tottenham’s new stadium. But a superb rearguard defensive display, twinned with an excellent performance from striker Joelinton, saw Newcastle win 1-0.

Bruce signed Sutton in 2006 for Birmingham City and the Celtic icon defended his former manager, claiming he has shown courage for replacing Toon hero Rafa Benitez and that he deserves to be given a chance.

“We’re two games in, and admittedly they didn’t play well at Norwich, and then there was all this nonsense about the warm-up. I was pleased for Steve Bruce at the weekend. His side showed they can be organised and disciplined,” Sutton said.

“There are a lot of people with egg on their face. He’s one of the most experienced Premier League managers of all time – and that’s for a reason. Following Rafa in, showed a great deal of courage. It couldn’t have been worse for Bruce, given the job Rafa had done.

“All managers need time, we cannot judge him after three games. Give him a chance.”

TBR’s view – Can Bruce guide Newcastle to Premier League safety?

On Sunday’s showing, Bruce can easily guide Newcastle to 12th place or above. But if they play as they did against Norwich City, relegation is a real possibility. It is down to Bruce to get the best out of his side, every week.

Defensively solid but exciting on the counter attack is the type of style that Benitez championed during his time on Tyneside – and it worked. So what is the point in changing it? Certainly, Bruce used such a tactic on Sunday.

Bruce can save Newcastle from the drop, but he must get them to play like they did on Sunday – for the remaining 35 league games.