"In the first half, we got ourselves in decent positions and didn't take advantage of it. I didn't see us being 2-0 down within an hour, we'd been caught high up the pitch just after half-time and punished.

"We repeated it five minutes later, and that's the situation we found ourselves in.

"When you're one a run like what we're on at the moment, you've got to dust yourself down and get ready for the challenge of what's ahead and try and get that confidence back - and winning a couple of games is the only way you're gonna get it.

"We always knew we entering a really difficult run of games. To play Arsenal, Leicester, Liverpool and Manchester City we always knew it was going to be difficult against these top teams.

"You have seen their approach. We are disappointed because we have been caught trying to get forward. Two passes and they are in on our goal.

"That is something we have to learn from and understand. The reason we have been defending deep was to avoid situations like that. We have to get the balance right and we will keep working on it."

On the absent Dwight Gayle:

"Dwight’s been struggling with illness. Thankfully, we don’t think it’s Covid-related.”

On the return of Allan Saint-Maximin:

"We’re in this run and the one person who gave us a little creativity, that spark in your team, is Allan, of course, and how crucial he has been to us.

"Then again, if I you take out the best players from, if you take a (Wilfried) Zaha out of Crystal Palace … he’s huge to us.

"He’s back in light training. We hope that he can get himself (fit), but it’s been two months now. We’ve still got to box a bit careful with him.”

On his future:

"I am trying to do the best I possibly can as always but you will have to ask others about that .

"I've been in it a long, long time; I've done it before. It's a difficult spell but I'm never going to shy away from it. So yes, 100% (I am the man to avoid relegation)."

Bruce's pre-match comments:

"I've let them (the players) be comfortable but the gloves are off now. I want to do it my way. We were absolutely frigging hopeless the other night. Absolute shite.

"The one thing we can't deny is our performance in the first half at Sheffield United was woeful. I picked the team and ultimately, carry the can. I accept that...unfortunately in the 18 months I've been here, that's happened too often.

"The performance the other night was not acceptable to any of us. If I was a supporter, I would be asking 'what the hell is going on?'

"I can understand the frustration and anger of supporters. I picked the team - it's my responsibility, totally.

"Have I lost the dressing room? I'm the wrong person to ask that but I see nothing wrong with them against Arsenal, Liverpool and Leicester. But the hand grenade has been thrown in when we're expected to win too many times on my watch.

"I picked the wrong team on Tuesday (at Sheffield United), I accept that. I understand and accept the criticism - if I was a fan I would feel the same.

"I’ve made a career of never giving in so I won’t (quit). NB: this is Bruce's eleventh managerial role - he resigned from eight of his previous ten.

"I've had the support of the club since I walked through the door. A continuous, daily conversation with the managing director - and that hasn't changed. I will keep trying to do my utmost to make this better.

“(Criticism) has been personal from day one - certain people out there think I shouldn't have been in the job to start with. All I can do is accept it and try not to be too down with it.

"I understand the supporters’ frustration and anger - I would be the same way - but I keep stressing if you're in the bottom half of the Premier League, you have to be a bit pragmatic. Now, getting that balance right, I fully, fully understand.

"Have Newcastle been a good watch for years? We’ve been in the bottom half of the Premier League. Now we're not saying it's acceptable, but it's the way it is.

"So we have to have a certain way of defending well, but I agree we have to offer more going forward.

"I expect the players to mirror myself a little bit. I was never blessed with wonderful ability, same as management, but the one thing I expect is a reaction, show some pride in yourself, and never be afraid of hard work.

"At the minute, it’s hard work, but you try not to get too down. We are not alone, if you're in bottom half there will be times when you come under pressure, and this is one of those times.”

Asked about players breaking COVID guidance when celebrating goals:

"Well, I'd like to score a goal first and then have to worry about it."