Newcastle United 2-0 Athletic Club: Joe Buck reaction
Newcastle United latest news: Bruno Guimaraes loved what Dan Burn did v Athletic Club in the Champions League.
So often the architect of everything good that Newcastle United do, Guimaraes’ performance was somewhat subdued - although that can be attributed to an illness that has affected the squad. Eddie Howe admitted pre-match that the Brazilian had been absent from training on the eve of the Athletic Club clash because of illness and that he would make a late call on the midfielder’s fitness closer to kick-off time.
“For this club, I will do everything. I started feeling ill the day before we played West Ham.”
Bruno Guimaraes makes Dan Burn admission
Newcastle United’s night began relatively shakily with a few lapses in defence offering their visitors unexpected chances. However, any nerves within St James’ Park largely evaporated when Dan Burn headed his side into the lead.
Burn, who spoke honestly and openly about Newcastle United’s struggles in the Premier League ahead of the match, powered a header from a delicious Kieran Trippier free-kick that gave Unai Simon in the Athletic Club goal absolutely no chance of saving as it rattled in off the post. It was a sensational header from the defender, and one that Guimaraes couldn’t help but talk about after the full-time whistle: “What a guy, love him,” Bruno said about his teammate.
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“We joked last week about when he would score and he did it today. He scored in a key moment.
“What a guy, not just a player, what a guy. My first thought was he was trying to pass but what a goal.”
Another header, this time from Joelinton, in the second half doubled Newcastle United’s lead and put them in a commanding position - one that they were able to hold onto as the game drew to a close. They have now scored as many goals in their four Champions League outings this season as they have in ten Premier League games and Guimaraes is keen for his team to build momentum following that win.
“We started the game quickly and fast. The second goal was the key moment of the game,” Guimaraes added. “We should score more but we controlled the game and kept the possession.
“We have to keep it going because we have to improve our form away from home in the Premier League. We were not at our best but we got the result. We were consistent.
“I love how we played today. It's another win at home and it's nine points out of 12. We have to keep going.”
Newcastle return to Premier League action on Sunday and face another trip to the capital. This time, a clash against Keith Andrews’ Brentford awaits them in their final match before a two-week break brought about due to international football taking centre stage.
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