Bruno Guimaraes scored in Newcastle United’s 2-0 win against Chelsea, but fans did not see a small gesture towards Enzo Fernandez.
It was anything but routine for the Magpies on Sunday, despite having a one-man advantage for most of the game.
Nicolas Jackson was sent off for Chelsea following an elbow to Sven Botman after just 35 minutes. Eddie Howe was furious on the touchline after the incident, but John Brooks was called to the monitor and ultimately gave Jackson his marching orders.
Enzo Maresca suggested Chelsea were unfortunate with Jackson’s red card, claiming that Brooks was influenced by the noise of the St James’ Park crowd.
Chelsea put up a good fight in the second half, despite being a man down, but Bruno Guimaraes’ late strike ensured Newcastle United moved up to third in the Premier League table, two points off Arsenal in second.
As Guimaraes celebrates another win as club captain, a video has surfaced of the Brazilian making a cheeky gesture towards Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Photo by Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Bruno Guimaraes rubs salt in the wounds with brilliant Enzo Fernandez gesture
Pat Nevin was not happy with Guimaraes’ performance, suggesting that he did not deserve to score his goal or give Newcastle fans an iconic celebration.
The Brazilian got the last laugh in the end when his effort deflected off Malo Gusto and over Robert Sanchez to ensure any chance of a Chelsea comeback was nullified.
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As Guimaraes walked back to his own half after scoring, he could be seen blowing a kiss towards Fernandez, as if to say he had won the battle of the two captains.
Fernandez was visibly livid at the gesture and could be seen talking back to Guimaraes.
Post-match, Guimaraes praised Sandro Tonali for scoring Newcastle’s first goal of the game, and hailed Sven Botman on his first start since recovering from a three-month injury layoff.
Bruno Guimaraes and Enzo Fernandez’s rivalry explained
It is clear that Guimaraes and Fernandez are not friends. The pair were constantly coming up against each other during Sunday’s game, where things got feisty on occasion.
At one point, Guimaraes was seen throwing Fernandez down in the penalty area while trying to defend a corner, but nothing was given by Brooks.
Fernandez was also seen wagging his finger at Guimaraes late in the game, clearly frustrated that his side were not able to get hold of the game.
2024/25 Premier League stats Appearances Goals Assists Fouls won Fouls committed
Bruno Guimaraes 36 5 6 102 59
Enzo Fernandez 34 6 7 50 48
Their dislike for each other is likely to come from their international allegiance. Guimaraes is Brazilian, while Fernandez is Argentine. The two South American countries have a long-standing rivalry, which, in this case, has spread to a football ground in England where two midfielders are fighting for superiority.
Guimaraes may have won the battle at St James’ Park, but the job is not done yet. Champions League qualification is just one win away; three points against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium will be enough for a return of Champions League nights to Tyneside.