Steve Bruce names 2 Newcastle players who did "very well" in 0-2 defeat to Chelsea

Steve Bruce has picked out TWO players who impressed him on Saturday - despite our abysmal display that saw Chelsea cruise to victory without breaking a sweat.

The NUFC boss believes both Joelinton and Sean Longstaff did "very well", feeling they were two of very few positives from another painful watch at St James' Park.

In fairness, I thought Joelinton did quite well when came short into more of a No 10 role (his actual position), linking up the play nicely at times, however it's perhaps quite telling that he never really looked like scoring.

As for Longstaff, he picked out some nice passes in a much improved second half display, with he, Joelinton and Darlow probably the only three Mags who could come out of the weekend defeat with any bit of credit whatsoever.

Here's what Bruce had to say:

"I thought Sean Longstaff did very well.

"I thought Joelinton played very well on the day.

"We had a really decent spell against them and that's hard to do.

"They're a good team with good players."

For me, it's time Bruce stuck to his word and went to a 4-2-3-1 that features Saint-Maximin, Almiron and Fraser playing just behind Wilson.

With those players at his disposal, he can no longer play the card that he 'hasn't got the players to play front-foot football'.

As for Joelinton and Sean Longstaff, the pair could soon find themselves out of the side once Wilson and Shelvey are fit - which could well be at Crystal Palace this weekend.

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