Steve Bruce on Sunday accused his Newcastle United flops of a “lack of effort” after a “totally unacceptable” 5-0 thrashing at Leicester City piled pressure on the Magpies boss.
Brendan Rodgers’ side maintained their impressive start to the season as they moved up to third after romping to a fourth win in their past five English Premier League games, while Newcastle sit second from bottom after winning just once in their opening seven matches.
Ricardo Pereira opened the scoring in the first half, before Newcastle’s Isaac Hayden was sent off for a dangerous tackle just before halftime and Leicester ran riot in the second half as Jamie Vardy struck either side of Paul Dummett’s own-goal.
Photo: Reuters
Wilfred Ndidi rounded off Leicester’s biggest league win since Rodgers arrived from Celtic to replace Claude Puel in February.
Bruce was furious with his players’ second-half surrender and made it clear he would not tolerate a repeat.
“It was totally unacceptable. The red card makes it difficult, but you have to have more hunger. It was one of them horror shows,” Bruce said. “It was not anywhere near good enough. We have to show more than what we did and roll our sleeves up more in difficult circumstances. As soon as the third went in the heads went down. The lack of effort towards the end was nowhere near good enough. That is the difficult thing to take.”
Mike Ashley’s decision to hire Bruce from Sheffield Wednesday was greeted with disdain by Newcastle fans and the under-fire 58-year-old already appears to be fighting to save his job.
With Ashley still being linked with a deal to sell Newcastle, Bruce could be gone before a regime change or very soon after unless results improve quickly.
“The one thing I pride myself on is being honest. I have only been here a few weeks, but you learn on performances like today,” Bruce said. “I always knew it was a challenge, I was delighted to take the challenge, but let us hope we can turn it around. I have the appetite to do that.”
Rodgers’ appointment has proved an inspired move and Leicester look capable of challenging for a top-four finish, especially given the inconsistent form of Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
“We’ve got a lot to learn still and a lot of improvements to make, but the boys are absolutely brilliant,” Rodgers said. “Like I say they want to learn which, as a coach, it’s the dream ticket really. Fantastic goals and a clean sheet, which is important because we want to defend well. Overall, it was a great day for us.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely