Eddie Howe's faith in his captain, Bruno Guimaraes, was spectacularly rewarded as the Brazilian midfielder authored a dramatic late turnaround to secure a vital 2-0 Premier League win for Newcastle United against Crystal Palace.
The Captain's Intervention
With the match at St James' Park drifting towards a goalless and frustrating conclusion, the script demanded a hero. On 71 minutes, Bruno Guimaraes answered the call. After a deep cross from substitute Harvey Barnes was hooked back into the danger area by Lewis Miley, the Newcastle captain displayed immense desire, outmuscling a cluster of Palace defenders to power a header home from close range.
This pivotal moment came after Howe had made a triple substitution on the 63-minute mark, a decision that included withdrawing Sandro Tonali. The manager, who had recently defended his tactical approach, stuck to his principles but changed the personnel. It was the decision to keep his talismanic playmaker on the pitch that proved decisive.
Sealing the Deal
Given that Newcastle have surrendered 13 points from winning positions this season, a second goal was essential to calm home nerves. Guimaraes turned provider just seven minutes later. His in-swinging corner caused chaos in the Palace six-yard box, with goalkeeper Dean Henderson and his defenders failing to clear. The loose ball was eventually prodded home by defender Malick Thiaw from point-blank range, sealing the three points.
The victory marked only the second time this season Newcastle have recorded consecutive league wins, a result that propelled them back into the top half of the Premier League table.
A Game of Fine Margins
The hosts did not have it all their own way. The first half was a story of near misses and frustration. Anthony Gordon thought he had given Newcastle a 19th-minute lead, only for the goal to be ruled out after a VAR review showed creator Yoane Wissa to be marginally offside. The decision served to ignite the St James' Park crowd.
Joelinton then had a cool finish just before half-time chalked off by the assistant referee's flag. Palace, with debutant Brennan Johnson prominent, posed a consistent threat on the counter-attack, ensuring the contest remained in the balance until Guimaraes's decisive intervention.
In the end, Eddie Howe's refusal to substitute his chief playmaker was vindicated in the most emphatic fashion. When the story was untold, Bruno Guimaraes took the pen and wrote a winning finale for Newcastle United.
