Bruno Guimaraes' last-gasp header clinched a 2-1 win for Newcastle over Leicester to all but secure the Magpies' Premier League survival in dramatic circumstances at St James' Park.
Guimaraes had cancelled out Ademola Lookman's opener when he bundled home from a corner in the first half, and the Brazilian then grabbed the winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time when he headed in substitute Joe Willock's deflected cross to spark wild celebrations inside the stadium.
The late goal was a bitter blow to the Foxes, who fielded a heavily-rotated side following their Europa Conference League exertions on Thursday and looked more likely to make the breakthrough in the second period, but it was a huge moment for the hosts.
Newcastle, already 10 points clear of the drop zone ahead of kick-off, stretched the gap to 12 points thanks to Guimaraes' header as 18th-placed Burnley drew 1-1 with West Ham in Sunday's other Premier League game.
The Magpies are not mathematically safe yet, but the two-goal heroics of their £40m January signing from Lyon - whose performance was described as "magnificent" by Eddie Howe - means they are able to start looking ahead to another season of top-flight football and perhaps a brighter future too.
Comments
Post a Comment