Newcastle United lost to Liverpool at St. James' Park 3-2, but if ever there was a match which typified the spirit, togetherness and talent of Eddie Howe's side, this was it.
With Alexander Isak still on strike, looking to join Monday night's opponents before the looming crescendo to the summer transfer window, Howe was forced to field Anthony Gordon as a makeshift centre-forward once again.
Ibrahima Konate for Liverpool
Ibrahima Konate for Liverpool
However, in a moment of complete madness, the Three Lions star got himself sent off before half-time after a rash challenge on Virgil van Dijk, with the hosts 1-0 down in spite of a breathtaking and dominant display.
The Magpies rallied, restoring parity from two goals and a man down, but 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha struck an agonising blow at St. James' Park at the eleventh hour.
But there was so much to like for the home side, and while Isak was absent (again), substitute William Osula proved he has a part to play at number nine this season. Could he be Newcastle's next Isak? Time will tell.
William Osula shows his quality
In August 2024, Newcastle signed Osula from Sheffield United for a £15m fee. He has always been regarded as a top talent, but Howe and Co view the Frenchman as a work in progress.
William Osula scores for Newcastle
William Osula scores for Newcastle
Last year, the young attacker only featured 14 times in the Premier League, having not been handed a single start, scoring only once off the bench in a 3-0 win over Ipswich Town.
Had circumstances been different, it's not unfair to suggest the 22-year-old Dane would have drifted through the clash against the Premier League champions as an unused substitute, but Isak wasn't there, and Gordon was sent off in the first half, and so Howe threw him into the fray.
His influence was game-changing, scoring a vital second half equaliser.
Osula might come to replace or rival Isak in terms of positional value, but another talisman stepped up on Monday night.
Indeed, Bruno Guimaraes proved once again why he is Newcastle's defining superstar.
Newcastle's next Isak-esque superstar
Guimaraes has now played 156 times for Newcastle, one of the first to christen this exciting new era and steadfast throughout, hailed by his teammate Dan Burn as being a truly "world-class" player.
His technical quality and iron-willed passion were on full show against Arne Slot's side, and though it didn't prove enough on the night, the goalscoring 27-year-old proved himself to be Newcastle's true talisman as talk around Isak's future drones on.
Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes
Chronicle Live's Lee Ryder remarked in his post-match comments that the Brazil international 'played his heart out' against the Reds, and awarded him an 8/10 rating for his tireless efforts.
Isak should take a leaf from his book. Guimaraes is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City have shown a vested interest this year, but the passion he exudes when performing in black and white is a thing to behold.
Guimaraes vs Liverpool
Match Stats
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Data via Sofascore
Praised by Arsenal-focused content creator Alex Moneypenny as being a "ridiculous footballer", Guimaraes is bound to play a focal role in the year ahead.
His leadership and quality are sure to drive this football team on and toward greener pastures, building on last year's trophy-winning campaign and ensuring that it proves a springboard for a sustained period of success.
Isak, who? The Brazilian is Howe's true superstar.