Plenty of Newcastle United fans have discussed whether or not they care about the style of football they are playing if they are winning.
The Magpies came off victorious after a classic smash and grab against Chelsea on the weekend; a quality cross from Allan Saint-Maximin was met by the head of Isaac Hayden and all of a sudden, pandemonium.
What followed before that wasn’t so spectacular. A typically gritty performance which has become a regular occurrence at St James’ Park this season kept Steve Bruce’s team in the game – all it took was that moment of class from Saint-Maximin to make all of the home fans leave with huge grins across their faces.
Toon had just 30 per cent possession, seven shots to 19 and one corner to 10. However, as Newcastle journalist Lee Ryder said after the game, ‘who cares?’.
The Chronicle writer wrote a piece arguing that a few performances like this cause no harm, and he continued to ask his followers who cares about the football on display.
There was a pretty mixed response. Many fans were still delighted by the performance and suggested they just ‘get it done’, while other fans still think they are better than what they are seeing.
Here are some of the replies below…
Does Newcastle ever win fashionably?
— Aldeous Huxley Jr (@DannyCo98008250) January 19, 2020
If it keeps us up this season I’m past caring……however after all the hot air that Bruce has exhaled since he was appointed I’m expecting to play ‘on the front foot’ next season because he will have exhausted all his excuses.
— Michael Stanley (@Plasmadreamer) January 19, 2020
I do, sad times. Great team work ethic, however the football is horrendous.
— Mark Turner (@MarkTur94754848) January 19, 2020
I do, you can’t survive on winning ugly every time. Bruce is clueless & as supporters we deserve better than winning ugly. We have a talented group of players who can play a more positive game, but I fear not in my lifetime. Ashley has the yes man he wants
— Stuart (@stu_blues7) January 19, 2020
For years we lost games we should have won because we couldn’t defend. In the last 3 seasons defence has been our strength. I’d love us to be entertaining, but I love it even more when we win, however we do it.
— Len Eschle (@FelixLongbrook) January 19, 2020
It’s a results league who cares about how the team is set up as long there is a plan.
— Big Cel (@BigCel5) January 19, 2020
do it ugly, do it pretty….just get it done
— NixaMattR (@NixaMattR) January 19, 2020
With that win, the club have boosted themselves to 12th in the division, with 29 points after 23 games.
Sure, you can begrudge Bruce all you like, but the table doesn’t lie. The club are now five points off the Europa League places and seven points off the relegation zone.
Pretty football doesn’t look as good in the Championship.