SM
Watford vs. Leeds: 12 hrs 5 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
AL
Premier League | Gameweek 26
Feb 16, 2020 at 4.30pm UK
 
NL

4-0

Aubameyang (54'), Pepe (57'), Lacazette (90'), Ozil (90')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Steve Bruce surprised to see Newcastle on level points with Arsenal

:Headline: Steve Bruce surprised to see Newcastle on level points with Arsenal: ID:389768: from db_amp
The Gunners and the Magpies are two of four teams on 31 points.

Steve Bruce has admitted he would not have expected Newcastle and Arsenal to head into the final third of the Premier League season separated only by goal difference.

The Gunners, who dispensed with the services of manager Unai Emery at the end of November and handed the reins to Mikel Arteta, currently sit in 10th place in the table as one of four teams, along with Burnley, the Magpies and Southampton, to have taken 31 points from their opening 25 games.

That may reflect Arsenal's underachievement as much as it does Newcastle's resilience, but Bruce is convinced it simply proves how testing the English top flight is as the sides prepare to meet at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Asked if he could have envisaged the situation after the Gunners won 1-0 at St James' Park during the opening weekend of the campaign, he said: "Well, I didn't think we'd be on level points, I have to tell you that, and I didn't think we'd win two more games than Arsenal, I would have to say.

"But it is the Premier League and it is what it is, and even a mighty club like Arsenal are in – is transition the right word? Different style, different manager, so it shows you how difficult it is even at a big club like Arsenal in change and turnaround.

"To answer your question, probably not, I wouldn't have thought that would be possible. But here we are."

Bruce's Newcastle team remain a work in progress, with victories over Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea and a draw with Manchester City masking some indifferent displays either side.

Asked to assess the season to date, the head coach said: "I think we've done OK. We've had huge problems over the last six weeks and fair play to the squad for showing that resilience that they've shown in many, many games.

"It can't be a fluke, not over 25 games anyway. They have a certain resilience about them and a certain pride about them which is pretty evident every day they train and play.

"They're a good set who roll up their sleeves and make sure they have a go and when you've got a team like that, then you've always got a chance."

amp_article__389768 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-02-15 10:08:20:
html db last update - 2021-02-19 09:50:39 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Steve Bruce

Click here for more stories about Arsenal

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .