Perplexing Steve Bruce substitution should sound alarm bells for Newcastle fans

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Newcastle United fell to a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal in their Premier League opener at St. James’ Park.

The Magpies were beaten thanks to a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang second half goal, having been fairly competitive throughout the match.

Joelinton looked lively in parts for the hosts, as did Allan Saint-Maximin when he came on in the second half.

Perhaps on another day Newcastle might have gotten a point.

Perhaps on another day, Bruce might not have opted to hook Jonjo Shelvey, which really put his team on the backfoot.

On in his place was Jetro Willems, who was part-responsible for the Arsenal winner

TBR’s view

Bruce’s substitution was very strange, and Shelvey’s reaction clearly indicated that it was tactical rather than because of any injury.

It was a move that smacked of wanting to try and settle, rather than perhaps push for more.

Shelvey is Newcastle’s most creative player and could have maybe been a source of inspiration for Newcastle.

Such a substitution should definitely ring the alarm bells for Newcastle supporters, especially when Arsenal were having difficulty breaking their opponents down.