Newcastle’s Guimaraes Strikes Twice in Stunning Fashion, Piling Pressure on European Contenders
THEY don’t call them The Entertainers for nothing! Eddie Howe’s Newcastle are giving Kevin Keegan’s vintage Magpies a run for their money – and the Premier League is a whole lot more fun because of it.
In a thrilling match against Forest, Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes produced two stunning goals to secure a victory for Newcastle. Fabian Schar also contributed with a brilliant half-volley. The game ended in a five-goal thriller, with Forest responding twice through goals from Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi. However, they were unable to find an equalizer in stoppage time.
Newcastle’s win marks their fourth consecutive away victory in the Premier League, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2003. With this victory, Newcastle climbed to seventh place in the league standings, putting pressure on other European contenders. On the other hand, Forest remains dangerously close to the relegation zone after suffering their 11th 3-2 defeat since being promoted.
Interestingly, Newcastle’s games have been a goal-fest this season. In 24 Premier League matches, they have scored a league-high 90 goals, but have also conceded a staggering 25 goals since Martin Dubravka replaced Nick Pope in goal in December.
The match against Forest started with a near miss from Morgan Gibbs-White, who dragged his shot inches wide of the target. However, five minutes later, Newcastle took the lead with a well-executed goal. Sean Longstaff passed the ball to Kieran Trippier, who had plenty of time and space to pick out Guimaraes. The Brazilian midfielder volleyed the ball home brilliantly with the outside of his right boot.
Forest had their chances to equalize, but Nicolas Dominguez’s pass to Elanga was saved by Dubravka’s legs. However, Elanga made amends by scoring a goal that exposed Newcastle’s defensive weaknesses. Burn was unable to keep up with Elanga’s pace, and Dubravka’s attempt to clear the ball outside his box failed, allowing Elanga to score into an empty net.
Newcastle regained the lead just before half-time through a set-piece. Trippier’s free kick was missed by Burn, and Sven Botman nodded the ball back into the box. Schar showed great instincts and finished expertly with a perfect half-volley.
Forest managed to equalize for the second time in first-half stoppage time. Hudson-Odoi scored from the edge of the box, with the ball deflecting off Lewis Miley and leaving Dubravka helpless.
The second half continued at a relentless pace, with both teams having their chances. Awoniyi had a goal disallowed for offside and later went down in the box, but VAR upheld the onfield decision not to award a penalty.
In a moment of lapse in concentration, Elanga’s attempt to pass the ball to Gibbs-White resulted in Guimaraes intercepting it and scoring his second goal of the match from 18 yards out.
Despite Forest’s attempts to equalize again, Newcastle held on to secure the victory.
Under Eddie Howe’s management, Newcastle has become a team known for their attacking prowess and entertaining style of play. With their recent run of victories, they are putting pressure on other European contenders and making a case for themselves as potential challengers for a European spot.
The Magpies’ goal-scoring prowess and entertaining style of play have made them a team to watch in the Premier League. Fans can expect more thrilling matches and exciting performances as Newcastle continues their quest for success under Eddie Howe’s leadership.