Talk about leaving it late. The game had entered the fifth minute of stoppage time when a counterattacking Joe Willock, introduced as a second-half substitute, accelerated down the left and crossed low towards the onrushing Bruno Guimarães. Within seconds that delivery had been deflected, leaving it bouncing kindly for Newcastle’s £33m Brazil midfielder to secure three precious points courtesy of a dramatic diving header and virtually extinguish any lingering relegation fears on Tyneside.
It was Guimarães’s second goal of a game in which he shone both in and, perhaps more importantly, out of possession. “We struggled to get hold of the ball today but Bruno was magnificent,” said Eddie Howe. “Bruno’s got that natural optimism and he’s elevated this team. He’s an incredibly passionate individual who cares deeply and is prepared to give you everything.”
