Bruno Guimaraes has only played 41 minutes of Premier League football since his £40million move in January. That has angered some, with impatient supporters desperate to see the Magpies’ marquee midfielder in action.
Newcastle were one point adrift from safety when Everton strolled into town a month ago and, when the team sheet was announced, fans were outraged to see Guimaraes named on the bench. Had defeat occurred that night, Howe would have felt the wrath from supporters as to why the 24-year-old Brazilian did not start.
As it turned out, Howe’s decision-making was spot on and the Magpies’ impressive run of form since has given him plenty of credit in the bank for when he next needs to make a big call. A seven-point cushion on the relegation zone allows the temperature to cool at St James’ Park - a sigh of relief for Toon fans who had feared the worst for most of the season.
