Newcastle United have taken a huge step towards Premier League safety, beating Leicester City 2-1 at St. James’ Park in the Premier League.
Bruno Guimaraes was the hero of the hour, popping up in the 94th minute to score a header after brilliant work from Joe Willock.
Newcastle fell behind in the game, with Ademola Lookman striking for the visitors.
But the Magpies hit back, with Bruno managing to bundle the ball through Kasper Schmeichel just before half-time.
Leicester would exert some pressure in the second-half and perhaps looked the more likely team to find a winner.
But it was Newcastle who stole the points right at the death, with Bruno bursting into the box to nod in Willock’s deflected cross.
The goal prompted scenes of bedlam, as the crowd took in the huge importance of the goal.
With Burnley drawing against West Ham United, Newcastle are now 12 points clear of the relegation zone.
It is a huge gap, and surely there is no zero chance of relegation.
After the game, Toon legend Alan Shearer couldn’t resist sending a cheeky message to his Match of the Day co-star and Leicester fan Gary Lineker.
He wrote: “It’s a black and white Sunday @GaryLineker #NEWLEI.”
Lineker replied, pointing to the fact Brendan Rodgers had named a much-changed starting lineup.
“Rested most of the team for you. Hope you appreciate it,” he said.
Newcastle must now look up not down
Today’s result was absolutely massive for Newcastle.
The gap is surely too big now for the club to be worried about relegation.
It’s about looking up now for Newcastle. Or at least it should be.
There are still 21 points left to play for, meaning the maximum points tally Newcastle can finish on for this season is 55 points.
The club are perhaps unlikely to get near that. But the aim should certainly be to keep the momentum going, and keep the foot on the gas.
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