Many fans have been discontent since Steve Bruce became Rafa Benitez's successor at Newcastle and that discontent may become louder if the Magpies fail to get the three points against fellow strugglers Brighton on Saturday.
In Bruce's defence, the opening five fixtures have not been kind to Newcastle with having faced three of the top six teams in the opening five games of the league season. As Brighton visit Tyneside, this is one of the few games Newcastle have played where they can realistically look to get the three points from.
However, football is a result's business and the statistics will show that we go into this game inside the relegation on goal difference. Considering Brighton have a long way to travel, many believe that Newcastle will need to capitalise on their poor form in order to try and claw their way out of trouble.
In my opinion, I do not think there is a need for fans to panic like some of them have. In this fixture last season, we were awaiting our first win of the season on 20th October when Brighton visited St. James' Park in what was understandably deemed as a must win game. As we know, Brighton came away with the win that day but in the end, the club finished 13th in the table. So, in my view, there is no need to panic like some fans are because there is still lots of time for things to change.
Facts and Figures
All Competitions
Brighton wins: 10
Newcastle wins: 9
Draws: 5
League
Newcastle wins: 8
Brighton wins: 6
Draws: 4
All Competitions at St. James' Park
Newcastle wins: 5
Brighton wins: 5
Draws: 2
Previous ten (all competitions)
Brighton wins: 5 (10 goals)
Draws: 3
Newcastle wins: 2 (7 goals)
League Record
Home: Played: 9, Won: 4 (44%), Drawn: 2, Lost: 3, Goals For: 13, Goals against: 6, Goal difference: +7, Pts: 14 (52%).
Away: Played: 9, Won: 4 (44%), Drawn: 2, Lost: 3, Goals For: 15, Goals against: 11, Goal difference: +4, Pts: 14 (52%).
First met in the league: 1961/62
Doubles achieved: 4
Doubles conceded: 1
Last home win: Newcastle United 2 (Jamaal Lascelles 15, Jonjo Shelvey 63) Brighton 0 - 27/08/2016.
Last home draw: Newcastle United 0 Brighton 0 - 30/12/2017.
Last home defeat: Newcastle United 0 Brighton 1 (Beram Kayal 29) - 20/10/2018.
Brighton's Last 10 (W2, D2, L4)
23/04: Tottenham (a), Premier League, Lost 1-0, 34 points - 17th place.
27/04: Newcastle (h), Premier League, Drew 1-1, 35 points - 17th place.
05/05: Arsenal (a), Premier League, Drew 1-1, 36 points - 17th place.
12/05: Man City (h), Premier League, Lost 4-1, 36 points - 17th place.
10/08: Watford (a), Premier League, Won 3-0, 3 points - 3rd place.
17/08: West Ham (h), Premier League, Drew 1-1, 4 points - 4th place.
24/08: Southampton (h), Premier League, Lost 0-2, 4 points - 7th place.
27/08: Bristol Rovers (a), EFL Cup 2nd Round, Won 2-1.
31/08: Man City (a), Premier League, Lost 4-0, 4 points - 16th place.
14/09: Burnley (h), Premier League, Drew 1-1, 5 points - 15th place.
Average placing last 20 years: 42nd (22nd in the Championship)
Biggest win: Newcastle United 5 - 0 Brighton (21/10/1961) - (Old) Division Two
Biggest defeat: Newcastle United 1 - 3 Brighton (05/05/1972) - (Old) Division Two