Toon have a ton of fun!
NEWcaSTLE UNITED have a new talisman in Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazil international gave a demonstration of the team the Geordies want to be in the future — then declared he wants to play another 100 games at St James’s Park. The 24-year-old conjured two goals to haul Newcastle from behind as Eddie Howe’s side all but guaranteed their Premier League safety. Guimaraes’ header in the 94th minute was just about the last touch of the game — and when the final whistle went, he sank to his knees and celebrated.
Desperate
He is no mercenary. He’s combative, skilful and desperate to prove himself, with an infectious hunger for the ball.
Guimaraes explained before the game he is on Tyneside to keep the club up. And then have a crack at winning trophies, including in Europe.
The stark reality is Newcastle have a long way to go before being there, with Leicester looking player by player a better side, and they are currently only ninth.
But in Guimaraes, Newcastle have someone to build a new era around as they spend more in the summer.
He was serenaded on a lap of thanks, passing a Bruno G flag that already honours his presence, then he threw his shirt to a kid behind the dugout.
He said: “What a feeling! What a game! To score two goals was brilliant, I don’t have words. It was always my dream to play in the Premier League. I am so happy.
“It is really important for me to score my first goal at St James’ Park. I enjoyed playing here a lot, this is my home, I want to play 100 times here.”
Joe Willock broke and did a low cross that was deflected and looped to the back post, where Bruno dived to head home.
Earlier he levelled, netting his first goal at home, but not until after a VAR check.
Kasper Schmeichel was challenged for a bobbling ball six yards out by the South American. The Dane was grappling to get control of it with his legs and, after two stabs at it, Guimaraes forced home after Jonjo Shelvey’s corner was nodded down into the danger zone.
Jarred Gillett allowed a VAR check, then took a look for himself on the pitchside screen before giving the goal.
Hammered
Lookman hammered home the opening goal from eight yards out after a wellworked corner.
Ex-Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez got a clever flick on Kiernan DewsburyHall’s corner in his first start since St Stephen’s Day in the league.
With the Toon defence sucked into the goal line, Lookman had the freedom of the penalty area to crash home a well-worked training-ground routine.
Just before Guimaraes netted the winner, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers gave him a hug during an injury break.
Appreciation for a fine player comes from all sides.