Bruno Guimaraes delivered the kind of performance Newcastle United supporters expect from their great captain as his breathtaking display inspired a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park.
The Brazilian midfielder opened the scoring in the 58th minute with a curling shot from outside the box before winning a late penalty that sealed the result.
Newcastle came into the match as the Premier League’s lowest scorers but showed renewed control and structure throughout the second half.
Matz Sels kept Forest in the contest with key saves from Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes before Nick Woltemade converted from the spot to confirm victory.
The win gave Newcastle only their second league success of the season and lifted them to 11th in the table after a period which saw them lose narrowly.
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Eddie Howe hails Guimaraes as Newcastle’s ‘difference maker’
Head coach Eddie Howe praised Guimaraes’ influence, calling him the “difference maker” who delivers in critical moments.
“Not a lot of goalmouth action in the first half so we had to be patient today. The second half was better,” Howe told Sky Sports.
“I thought we had control of the second half and we needed a moment to bring us the goal. Bruno's goal was a moment of magic from an unbelievable player. He makes a difference more often than not.
“We started the season really well defensively. We have been solid and resilient. A good mix for us because you are only a goal away from winning a game.
"The break has probably come at a bad time for us with the momentum. We will take it and dust the players down and regroup."
Newcastle will now travel to Brighton on October 18 before hosting Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League three days later.