I saw £40m Newcastle player send a clear message to Eddie Howe tonight vs Nottingham Forest

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A tactical tweak handed Eddie Howe and Newcastle United a fourth consecutive away win on Saturday night.

The Magpies beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 at the City Ground, with Bruno Guimaraes the star of the show. He was outstanding, scoring two goals to lift Newcastle up to seventh in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old’s brace was the first time he had scored since September. Until the win over Forest, Bruno had not found the back of the net since the 8-0 drubbing of Sheffield United.

But the Brazilian clearly loves playing in that dark blue kit, as it turns him into a lethal goalscorer.

Bruno now has three goals this season, and he will look to add more to his tally between now and the end of the season. And he might get the chance to do that after sending Eddie Howe a clear message with his performance on Saturday night.

Bruno Guimaraes excels in advanced role for Newcastle United

Bruno played in a more advanced role against Nottingham Forest, and it paid off.

The £40million man was given more freedom to get higher up the pitch and get the ball in more dangerous areas, and he did just that.

There were moments in the first half when Newcastle were dominating possession at the back, but Bruno was not involved. Instead, he was in between the lines in, looking to get the ball in an area where he could hurt Forest.

And he hurt them a lot, with his two goals giving Newcastle all three points.

Bruno has spoke a lot about wanting to play higher up the pitch. He wants to be more attacking and player as an ‘eight’, but Newcastle’s lack of an alternative in the ‘six’ has forced the Brazil international to sit deeper.

But the shackles were off on Saturday night, with Bruno free to get on the ball in the final third and be a difference maker.

He now has three goal contributions in two games, having provided an assist in the 4-4 draw with Luton Town. That also came with Bruno playing higher up the pitch, as he continues to prove that Howe should play him there consistently.

He sent a clear message to Eddie Howe with his display, and the Newcastle manager will be delighted to see his midfield enforcer become the match-winner.

Let’s hope he gets the chance to do it more often in black and white.