Bruno Guimaraes took Eddie Howe by surprise before he scored a dramatic late winner for Newcastle United on Saturday.
Howe had Guimaraes to thank after the Brazilian netted a stoppage-time winner as Newcastle United beat Fulham 2-1 at St James’ Park.
It was an impressive finish from the midfielder, even if it looks like just a tap-in on first viewing.
After a lung-busting run in the dying embers of the game, he still had to compose himself to beat the impressive Bernd Leno. Thankfully, Guimaraes did exactly that.
The goal made up for his miss earlier in the game, too. The Newcastle skipper headed over from reasonably close range after Anthony Gordon’s cross following fine hold-up play from Nick Woltemade.
Speaking after the game, Howe suggested that he was surprised by that.
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Eddie Howe expected Bruno Guimaraes to score with his head for Newcastle vs Fulham
The Newcastle United manager was speaking to the club’s in-house media team after the full-time whistle.
Howe was asked whether the late Guimaraes goal evoked memories of his famous winner against Leicester in April 2022.
With the score a 1-1 late in the game on that day, Guimaraes connected to a Joe Willock cross with a diving header to secure all three points.
Howe admitted that his efforts against Fulham would have reminded him of the Leicester game if Guimaraes had scored with his head, before claiming the Brazil star is usually much more reliable than appeared when he skewed his effort against the Cottagers.
“It would have done if he scored the header,” he said in response to the aforementioned question.
“Because that was almost a carbon-copy, it felt. Unusually for him, he didn’t hit the target with his head, he’s very good with his head normally.
“But thankfully, he had another moment up his sleeve and it was a great run from Will Osula. A really good attempt and thankfully Bruno’s timed his run and finished it superbly because that wasn’t an easy angle to finish from.”
How many headers Bruno Guimaraes has scored for Newcastle United
Guimaraes is arguably the best midfielder in Newcastle United history, such has been the level of his impact. Many of a slightly older generation will point to Rob Lee but this is a more successful era for the club as a whole and Guimaraes has played a big part.
Still, and while his heading ability isn’t always the most eye-catching part of his game, Guimaraes does usually do better in those situations.
He’s scored six headed goals since joining the club in January 2022, which accounts for 24% of his total of 25 goals.
With that in mind, it was indeed strange to see him miss a brilliant chance in acres of space. Thankfully, he made up for it.
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