Joelinton - a £40m summer signing from Hoffenheim - gave glimpses of what he is capable of on Sunday ... but it was not enough to raise the spirits on Tyneside.
How much Bruce was involved in the recruitment of £60m pair Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin is unclear.
Brazilian club-record £40m signing Joelinton, a target of the Newcastle chiefs more so than of former manager Benitez, produced an effervescent display in the first half highlighted by a jinking run and shot on goal, but faded after the break.
Frenchman Saint-Maximin almost brought the crowd to their feet with a couple of runs into the area, and showed signs that he may become the type of showman fans of the club so cherish.
Newcastle's summer signings
Joelinton Striker Hoffenheim £40m
Allan Saint-Maximin Midfielder Nice £16.5m
Andy Carroll Striker Unattached Free
Emil Krafth Defender Amiens £5m