Bruno Guimaraes was Newcastle United’s hero against West Ham United.
The Magpies have moved up to sixth in the Premier League, while they have also gained some momentum ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
Newcastle beat West Ham 1-0 on Monday night, with Bruno Guimaraes netting the winner in the 63rd minute.
It was a deserved victory for the Magpies, who had looked short of confidence going into the game at the London Stadium.
But now belief has returned, as Eddie Howe’s full attention turns to the Carabao Cup final.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Bruno Guimaraes could not watch Newcastle United in stoppage time
Alan Shearer was delighted with Newcastle’s win, but it was certainly a nervy end to the game.
The Magpies had to do a lot of defending after taking the lead, while West Ham piled men forward in stoppage time.
It all became too much for Bruno Guimaraes, who had been replaced by Sean Longstaff in the 88th minute.
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As Newcastle defended their lead in added time, the cameras panned to Bruno. He rose to his feet and roared ‘come on’, before slumping into his chair.
The 27-year-old then covered his eyes, seemingly unable to watch the closing stages of the game as Newcastle hung on for victory.
But they did hang on, as Bruno’s goal ensured the Magpies return to Tyneside with all three points.
Newcastle United need more of the same from Bruno Guimaraes against Liverpool
While he could not watch in stoppage time, Bruno was singing with the Newcastle fans after the final whistle.
It was a captain’s performance from the midfielder, who was outstanding even without his decisive goal.
That is the level of performance that Eddie Howe needs from his skipper on Sunday. Newcastle will go into the final as underdogs, but they have elite players that can hurt Liverpool. Bruno is one of them, and he must lead by example.
Hopefully he rises to the occasion at Wembley, where he could have the chance to lift a trophy as the Newcastle United captain.