The five key quotes from Steve Bruce's post-Arsenal press conference

Newcastle United's recent encouraging purple patch came to an emphatic end this afternoon as they were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Arsenal at St James' Park.

Despite picking up seven points from a possible nine in their last three games, The Magpies looked lethargic as they posed very little threat to Mikel Arteta's side.

Here's the five key things Steve Bruce said to the media in his post-match press conference.

A missed opportunity to progress up the table

Newcastle missed the chance to put the other struggling teams in their rear-view mirror this afternoon.

"We had hit form but didn't play well enough today. I have said all along it's the accumulation of points. We missed the opportunity to go 13th today. But we haven't played well enough."

On his side's performance

Although Newcastle lie nine points clear of the relegation zone, Steve Bruce was still bitterly disappointed in his side's performance.

"We're disappointed because we haven't got near the performances of late. Arsenal played well. It's a poor goal after four minutes. When you're chasing against these lads it's always going to be difficult. Arsenal were the better side today it was as simple as that."

On Fabian Schär's red card

The Swiss defender returned to action today following a length lay off and was sent off in the 90th minute for a poorly timed challenge.

Bruce does not believe that the challenge warranted a sending off.

"When I see a tackle like that being a red card. All the things I wanted them to be: I'm screaming at them to make sure they go after it. You can't tackle anymore. I thought it was a real, real harsh sending off."