Martin Dubravka hints at Steve Bruce Newcastle tactic dig amid 'tough time' admission

Martin Dubravka has hinted the Newcastle United squad is pleased to have moved on from a more direct approach under former boss Steve Bruce. The Magpies have been revitalised under Eddie Howe, and are aiming to extend their unbeaten top-flight run to 10 matches in Sunday's encounter at Chelsea.

Dubravka's form has improved in recent weeks following a difficult start to the season, with Newcastle proving to be one of the sternest Premier League defences in 2022 so far. Bolstered by five January signings, United have shown greater confidence in possession and have adopted a front-foot approach to matches.

Newcastle's number one believes everyone is currently 'enjoying' the more positive approach under Howe, while suggesting they were previously playing a long-ball tactic. He told NUFC TV: "I think you can see everyone is just enjoying their time on the pitch. We are trying to play modern football which I'm very pleased with.

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"It's not just kicking the ball up there and fighting for every ball and second ball. We needed to adapt to this kind of football as well, which always takes some time.

"It will also take time for us to get to know each other with the new management. I'm happy we are there now, we have momentum now and we feel good on the pitch.

"I think the fans can see that, and the appreciation they show us after the games, we are trying to give them something back which I'm happy we did in the last couple of games."

Dubravka required surgery on a foot injury suffered while representing Slovakia at Euro 2020, and did not make his first black-and-white appearance until the defeat at Arsenal in November. The