NEWCASTLE UNITED are in the middle of a slump that could quickly see them plunged into the heart of the relegation battle at the foot of the Premier League.

Tuesday's 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United saw the Magpies become the first club to lose a league fixture against the Blades this season.

The loss at Bramall Lane also extended Newcastle's winless run to eight matches in all competitions ahead of Monday's daunting trip to the Emirates to take on Arsenal.

But who has been the biggest disappointment this season? Who is the flop who has done most to hasten Newcastle's decline?


Maybe it is manager Steve Bruce, with his conservative tactics and increasingly bizarre team selections?

Perhaps it is Joelinton, the £40m record signing who has managed the grand total of one league goal all season?

Or does the blamce for the Magpies' troubles lie firmly at the door of owner Mike Ashley?


Let us know your thoughts - and vote in our poll: