Bruno Guimaraes has not enjoyed the perfect start to life as Newcastle United captain.
The 27-year-old was awarded the armband at the start of the season, with Eddie Howe thinking it would help Bruno Guimaraes play even better.
Overall, that has not really happened. There have even been questions over the decision to make Bruno Guimaraes captain of Newcastle United.
One of the major issues that Bruno has had has nothing to do with his leadership qualities though. Up until the Liverpool game, the midfielder has consistently lost the coin toss for games at St James’ Park. That has allowed opponents to turn Newcastle around and force them to kick towards the Gallowgate in the first half.
That has frustrated Toon fans, as Newcastle historically shoot towards the Gallowgate in the second half.
Bruno has had no luck with the coin toss, but that changed ahead of Newcastle 3 Liverpool 3.
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United (39) celebrates after Newcastle score opening goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC ...
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
What happened after Bruno Guimaraes won the toss
For the first time this season at St James’ Park, Bruno won the toss! He opted to shoot towards the Leazes in the first half, as Toon fans cheered the flip of a coin.
Bruno’s victory got the same reaction from Dan Burn, who could be seen shaking his fists in celebration as the Brazilian ran back towards his teammates for the pre-match huddle.
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Burn had a wry smile on his face, as Bruno’s record had been quite comical up until the Liverpool game.
Bruno Guimaraes showed his leadership qualities during Newcastle vs Liverpool
While the flip of a coin can go either way, Bruno did really start to flex his muscles as skipper on Wednesday night.
He called for calm from his teammates after Liverpool’s first goal, as Arne Slot’s side forced their way back into a game that Newcastle maybe should have been out of sight in.
Bruno was then seen consoling Joelinton and trying to motivate him to go again after his error resulted in Liverpool scoring their second.
But the main way in which Bruno led by example was in his performance. He was outstanding against Liverpool, providing two assists on what was his 100th Premier League appearance.
He pressed and harried in midfield without going too far with his intensity, while he tried to hurt the Reds whenever he got on the ball. It was probably his best performance of the season so far.
Bruno feels Newcastle deserved to win against Liverpool, and you could certainly argue that was the case. Alas, the Magpies had to settle for a point, but they do have the blueprint for how they must play moving forwards.
It is also the blueprint for Bruno. That is how he must play as leader, and hopefully this is the start of an impressive run of form.
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