Newcastle United needed a last gasp Bruno Guimaraes winner to secure three vital Premier League points against Fulham at St James’ Park.
As he so often does, when the Magpies needed a man in the moment - Bruno was that guy. The Brazilian midfielder popped up to guide home a late, late winner at the Gallowgate End to ensure Eddie Howe’s men made it back-to-back wins on home turf this week against Fulham.
And while he was delighted to be the match-winner, he admits he now needs a rest after a gruelling schedule that has seen him travel half way across the world in recent weeks with Brazil, as well as lead Newcastle to Premier League and Champions League victories.
Bruno Guimaraes on Newcastle United win v Fulham
“I feel unbelievable,” he said. “We were very tired from Wednesday's game and I think we had to learn how to finish the game.
“I'm happy in the end we scored a goal. The last few games we have been punished at the end - by Arsenal, Liverpool.
“Will Osula, he came, he shot and I was ready for the rebound in my 150th start for this club. Now I just want to rest for a bit because I am very tired.
“My whole family is here, my mum, my kids, my wife so to score a goal like that is very special at the Gallowgate End. It is a very good moment.
“We cannot play the perfect game every time but we need to find the three points and we did this today. Very pleased for everyone. This is the Newcastle I know, we fight until the end."
Newcastle United 2 Fulham 1 - report
Jacob Murphy gave the Magpies the lead in the 18th minute before Fulham hit back through Sasa Lukic near the hour-mark. United looked to be heading to their fourth draw of the campaign until captain Guimaraes struck late on.
Eddie Howe made one change from Tuesday night’s 3-0 win over Benfica in the Champions League as Joelinton returned to the midfield in place of Jacob Ramsey.
Sandro Tonali was only fit enough to make the bench again having struggled with illness in the aftermath of last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Newcastle started well and were twice denied by the post in the opening six minutes as Nick Woltemade and Jacob Murphy saw their efforts cannon off the woodwork.
Fulham had just started to grow into the game when the Magpies took the lead in the 18th minute. Murphy robbed Calvin Bassey of possession to drive forward and fire his shot home via the inside of the left post.
Murphy had a near-identical chance in the 39th minute after being played in by Anthony Gordon, however, the winger was denied by goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
And that proved costly when Fulham equalised in the 56th minute. Raul Jimenez rattled the crossbar from Kevin’s cross but Sasa Lukic was on hand to head home the loose ball.
Sven Botman tried to challenge Lukic and ended up with a cut to his head. As a result, the Dutchman was forced to withdraw and Fabian Schar came on as part of a triple change including Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali.
But it was another substitute who had the biggest impact. Will Osula was brought on for Woltemade in the 86th minute, with Osula soon seeing a shot saved before Guimaraes followed up to tap home.
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