- Newcastle United lifted by Bruno Guimaraes
- Magpies midfielder oozes class in 39th minute
- Eddie Howe needs his side to play with confidence again
Newcastle United have lacked the X-Factor this season. Luckily, Bruno Guimaraes has bags of that star quality.
Eddie Howe’s side won for the first time in six fixtures against Brighton on Saturday afternoon. The 3-1 victory wasn’t easy work as the Magpies looked on the verge of throwing away another lead in a nervy second half once Jack Hinshelwood made it 2-1.
A very late Harvey Barnes goal finally put the game to bed. Newcastle have seen points snatched from their hands against Sunderland, Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth in recent weeks, and worries that could be repeated hung over St James’ Park at the weekend.
Bruno Guimaraes ‘such an important player’ for Newcastle United
In those matches, the Magpies were devoid of character. That improved against Arsenal, and it was no coincidence that came as Guimaraes made a first start since injury.
The Brazil international missed six Premier League outings due to a hamstring injury. He’s been a huge miss for Howe, with his captaincy behaviour so important to the side.
The Magpies play better with him in the squad. Guimaraes will run through walls before he sees his side chuck away points.
Speaking prior to the meeting with Arsenal, Howe said: “He’s such an important player for us on so many levels and of course we’re keen to get him on the pitch as quickly as possible. I’ve just got to make sure it’s not to his detriment.
“It’s been great to have him back around the group though – he’s such a positive person, and he can only help and inspire the players around him.”
Guimaraes move in 39th minute shows Magpies side regaining confidence
Guimaraes was a standout from the first minute against Brighton, setting the tempo alongside an invigorated Osula. The box-to-box midfielder played a delightful ball over the top to set Jacob Murphy off for the opener.
However, it was what the midfielder did in the 39th minute that shows Newcastle United are on their way back. In the middle of the pitch, Guimaraes collected the ball, turned his opposition number with a series of keepie-ups and looked to set his side on the break.
Seeing a player boast the confidence to not only try, but succeed in such a move, is a sea change to the Magpies in recent weeks. It’s the sort of attitude that can be infectious in the best way.
When Howe’s side is at its best, there’s a fearlessness that courses through them. Whatever the form of his colleagues, Guimaraes has the skill and attitude to bring that back. And boy, do we need it.
In other news, Newcastle United Player Ratings: ‘Superb’ 9/10 and ‘metronome’ 8 as Brighton beaten.
