Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has shared his thoughts on Bruno Guimaraes after losing 2-1 to Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Magpies headed to the Amex Stadium on a run of eight away Premier League games against Brighton without a win.
That record has now been stretched to nine games after Newcastle were beaten 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.
Nick Woltemade’s audacious flick brought Newcastle level at 1-1, but Danny Welbeck grabbed his second of the game to condemn Eddie Howe to defeat.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Newcastle United - Premier League
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Eddie Howe on Bruno Guimaraes display for Newcastle United
Newcastle faced a number of problems on the South Coast, with Howe’s midfield off-colour.
Howe went with Sandro Tonali alongside Brazilian duo Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, but Brighton were able to cut through at will.
Lewis Miley was introduced for Joelinton at the break as Howe accepted that his midfield setup simply wasn’t working.
Tired legs from international duty may have been a factor, though Howe doesn’t feel that was the only explanation.
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Speaking to The Chronicle, Howe shared his view that Bruno actually improved after half-time.
Howe suggested that fatigue cannot have been the only reason for a tepid first-half display, as Bruno was ‘much better’ in the second half.
“Bruno had a much better second half than he did first, so maybe that is not just fatigue,” said Howe.
“We were much better with the changes in the second half. It was a much brighter second half display,” he added.
Eddie Howe must consider midfield change against Benfica
The trio of Bruno, Joelinton and Tonali has been an impressive one, but the flat midfield three was really exposed against Brighton.
Newcastle must regroup quickly as Benfica visit St James’ Park on Tuesday night.
Howe is surely weighing up changes in the engine room, as going with the same three would be asking for trouble.
Miley could come in for a start against Jose Mourinho’s side, with Joelinton potentially the man to make way.
Howe will hope to see Bruno take his second-half display into the meeting with Benfica, but must consider changes around the Brazilian after Saturday’s defeat.