Newcastle United moved one step closer to Champions League qualification after beating Chelsea 2-0 at St James’ Park.
Despite going a goal up and having a one-man advantage in the first half, the nerves could be felt around the ground for the second 45 as Enzo Maresca’s side piled on the pressure.
Sandro Tonali’s goal just 112 seconds into the game set the tone of how Newcastle United wanted to play. It was fast, intense and entertaining. Things got much better for the Magpies after Nicholas Jackson was shown a straight red card for an elbow on Sven Botman.
Chelsea upped the tempo in the second half, forcing Toon boss Eddie Howe to make tactical changes which ended up working a treat.
Elsewhere, Chelsea fans fumed at Anthony Gordon after the winger went to the ground on several occasions. The 24-year-old made his first start since March, proving to be a big problem for the Blues’ back line.
While Newcastle celebrate the three points and move even closer towards Champions League qualification, Pat Nevin has shown his true colours by singling out one player for their performance.
Pat Nevin criticises Bruno Guimaraes despite Newcastle United win
Captain Bruno Guimaraes put in a fairly muted performance for the majority of Newcastle’s win against Chelsea, but left his mark on the contest with a goal on the cusp of stoppage time in the second half.
Guimaraes wanted Newcastle fans to support the team in the final three games of the season, and they received exactly that. St James’ Park was electric from kick-off, and the noise was turned up even higher when Tonali scored.
Despite the goal, former Chelsea winger Nevin was far from impressed with the Brazilian’s performance and even claimed that his old club should have gotten much more out of the game.
Commentating on BBC Radio 5 Live after Guimaraes’ goal, Nevin said: “Newcastle have hardly been up the pitch and Bruno Guimaraes has done very little.
“But there he is standing in the corner like a Roman emperor holding up the corner flag having scored a worldie.
“Statistics will say 2-0 but Newcastle have done it by the skin of their teeth, and Chelsea will be gutted.”
The loss for Chelsea means they remain fourth but must hope that Nottingham Forest fail to beat Leicester City on Sunday to stay in the top five.
- READ MORE – Who is Bruno Guimaraes? Meet Newcastle’s brilliant Brazilian lighting up the Premier League
Bruno Guimaraes pays tribute to Newcastle United legend after goal
Guimaraes is known to excessively celebrate when he scores a goal. Dan Burn laughed about Guimaraes’ celebration when asked about it earlier this year.
His goal against Chelsea was no exception to his usual approach as the 27-year-old pulled out several different moves, including one which paid tribute to former Newcastle ace Tino Asprilla.
Guimaraes picked up the corner flag just like Asprilla did for Newcastle almost 30 years ago, paying homage to the Colombian who entertained so many like the current Toon captain has.
With two games left in the Premier League season, the importance of Guimaraes’ late goal to their Champions League hopes cannot be played down.
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