Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United reacts after the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brentford at St James' Park on February 07, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)placeholder image
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United reacts after the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brentford at St James' Park on February 07, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Bruno Guimaraes returned to Newcastle United’s starting XI but could not prevent a 3-2 loss to Brentford.
It was a bittersweet evening for Bruno Guimaraes as Newcastle United lost 3-2 to Brentford at St James’ Park on Saturday.
The Magpies’ captain returned to the starting line-up after four matches out with an ankle injury and registered a goal and an assist. But ultimately, both were in vain.
Guimaraes created the opener when his in-swinging corner was headed home by Sven Botman in the 24th minute. The Bees, though, went into half-time leading after Vitaly Janelt equalised before Igor Thiago scored from the penalty spot.
Newcastle were awarded a penalty of their own in the 79th minute when Guimaraes was tripped by Michael Kayode before stepping up from the spot to send goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher the wrong way.-
But United were level for just six minutes as Dango Ouattara clinched all three points for the visitors. At full-time, Guimaraes and his teammates were subject to boos from sections of the St James’ Park crowd.
Bruno Guimaraes release social media statement after Newcastle United lose to Brentford
Taking to social media after the game, Guimaraes reflected on his return from injury but also the result and the recent run of form, with Newcastle currently sitting 12th in the Premier League table and 10 points below the top five following four games without a victory.
“Delighted to be back almost three weeks after my last injury,” Guimaraes wrote on Instagram.
“I know, and we all know, our responsibility as players, and that things are not happening the way we would like. I believe that in these four years together, this is the first time we are going through a real dip in form.
“We have to work harder, because difficult moments are always opportunities for us to become better than we have ever been.
“There is still a lot ahead of us, but we are certain that inside our club no one will let go of anyone, and we will give everything to enjoy better days.
“Special thanks to the club’s physios for getting me back fit in record time, as well as my staff for helping me return to the pitch as quickly as possible.”
Bruno Guimaraes only the second Newcastle United player to speak out
Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier are the two senior players to have spoken publicly after the Brentford defeat
Speaking to Sky Sports, Trippier said: "It's nothing about the manager. We need to take responsibility for the performances as the players. I'm not going down that route about the manager - I'd never do that.
"We need to start putting in performances with the players, and most importantly the manager."
"Very tough. The goals we're conceding, especially at home. We have a big game next week, we need to move on, but it's tough to take.
"The games that we've had where we've taken the lead, we need to put more pressure on and maintain it. W're going through a tough spell at the moment, we're not denying that.
"The senior players need to calm things down and lead by example. I've been in this position many times before. It's my responsibility to help the players."
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