The Newcastle United Blog | Magpie can’t wait for Wednesday after an amazing day at St. James’ Park

Bruno Guimaraes will get the majority of the applause for today’s win over Leicester City. The midfielder had another star-studded turn by scoring his first two goals at St. James’ Park, including a spectacular death-match winner.

After the match, Bruno revealed that it was the first headed goal of his career. What a time to do so as he burst onto the pitch to enter the perfect spot to head Joe Willock’s deflected cross into the back for the net for the 2-1 win.

This decision defined the attitude of Newcastle under Eddie Howe. Leicester bundled a ball up the field. Rather than let it pass to seal the point, Matt Targett got the ball back and sent Joe Willock in runs on the left. The rest is history.

There was another hero on the grass at St. James’ Park this afternoon and that was right-back Emil Krafth. The Swede was brilliant and if not for Bruno’s heroism he would clearly be the man of the match for his excellent performance.

The 27-year-old has raised his level since joining the team following Kieran Trippier’s injury. His performances in our two recent home wins were among the best of his Newcastle career.

A euphoric Krafth spoke to NUFC Television After the game. Here he is almost at a loss for words when asked about today’s dramatic ending.

Well done, Emile! ???

– Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 17, 2022

Newcastle are now in excellent shape to survive with 37 points on the board and 6 games to go. The distance to the bottom three has been extended to 12 points while the gap to the top ten is only 3 points.

When asked if the point total was enough for safety, Krafth echoed his manager saying the following:

“I don’t know. For me, it’s six more finals.

“We want to finish as high as possible in the table.

“So for me, it’s not over yet.

“We have to keep pushing and keep believing and aiming for the three points every game.”

Howe has instilled a match-at-once mentality in the group and it has paid off so far. Next up is Crystal Palace at home on Wednesday. The Eagles were knocked out of the FA Cup semi-finals by Chelsea today.

Another victory and Newcastle will climb to 11th place. It will also make him 6 straight wins at St. James’ Park. Asked about the next game, Emil couldn’t hide his excitement saying:

“Oh, I can’t wait. I can’t wait.

“The atmosphere today was incredible, so I can’t wait to play here again.”

Loading…