STEVE BRUCE suffered a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in his first game in charge of Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second-half strike was enough for the visitors to secure a sixth win in seven games on Tyneside. They also equalled their number of clean sheets away from home last season on the opening day.

On a sobering day for Bruce, he admitted it was a disappointing manner to lose the game but said he was encouraged by his side’s defending overall and refused to be too critical.