When it rains, it pours for Steve Bruce. After the failed Saudi takeover and a Covid outbreak, Newcastle's year hit a new low in wet West London last night as Championship Brentford knocked them out of the Carabao Cup.
And Josh DaSilva's winning goal came just after Bruce, often criticised for his negative tactics, had thrown on two strikers looking to reach the club's first semi-final in 15 years.
Only another late save from Karl Darlow stopped former Newcastle striker Ivan Toney scoring a deserved second to put the tin lid on Toon's horrible evening.
But it was a reflection on both clubs that Brentford's win does not really rank as a shock. Even Thomas Frank made six changes and started with two of his best players – Toney and Bryan