Eddie Howe: Newcastle lucky to have 'special' Bruno Guimaraes

A 90th-minute strike from Bruno earned Eddie Howe's side a dramatic 2-1 victory over Fulham on Saturday, a result that could prove as significant emotionally as it is on the table.

Having endured a frustrating run of inconsistent league form, Newcastle appeared destined for another draw after Sasa Lukic cancelled out Jacob Murphy's early opener. But when Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno parried a late effort from substitute William Osula, Bruno was there to pounce - slotting home from close range to ignite wild celebrations on Tyneside.

"It's one I'll remember, that's for sure," said Howe. "When you win late like that, it feels priceless. Those moments don't just win games - they change belief, they change mood. This could have a big knock-on effect for us."

The victory, Newcastle's third of the season, lifted them provisionally to tenth in the table and offered a timely morale boost following last weekend's defeat to Brighton. It also capped off an intense week in which the Magpies had celebrated an emphatic 3-0 Champions League win over Benfica.

While the late drama thrilled supporters, it was Guimaraes who once again stole the headlines.

"Bruno - the player and the person - is something special," he said. "His will to win, his drive, his determination to be successful, it's there every day. His professionalism is of the highest level, and you get your rewards when you prepare like that.

"To see him sprinting into the box in the 90th minute, still going with that energy, it shows everything about his character. We're very lucky to have him."

For the Brazilian, who was making his 150th start for the club, the goal was as much about perseverance as skill.

"I feel unbelievable," he admitted. "We were very tired after Wednesday's game, but we learned how to finish this one. We've been punished late in games before - by Arsenal, by Liverpool - but today it went our way.

"Will (Osula) shot, and I was ready for the rebound. I'm proud of the fight we showed. This is the Newcastle I know - we fight until the end."

The manager has been vocal about the need to reignite Newcastle's Premier League push following last year's fifth-place finish and League Cup triumph. Saturday's win, he suggested, might just be the emotional reset his side needed.

"Sometimes," Howe said, "a single goal at the right time can change everything."

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