We ended their premier league title hope last season,This time around we’re going to make Arsenal fans cry tomorrow’: Newcastle Star Bruno Guimaraes sends strong premier league message to Arteta and Arsenal fans
Bruno Guimaraes’ spiky performance in Newcastle United’s reverse fixture with Arsenal has been praised by Eddie Howe after the Magpies No 39 ruffled the feathers of the Gunners faithful. The Brazilian was a nuisance on and off the ball, hurrying and harassing Arsenal players as Newcastle picked up a 1-0 win that caused controversy after the full-time whistle.
Guimaraes’ perceived rough behaviour wound Arsenal fans up as the north London outfit cried over Newcastle’s ‘dark arts’. However, Howe believes his main midfield man found the right balance at St James’ Park the last time the two sides met, and hopes for the same this time around.
“You need your creative players to fire and your defensive players to fire in a different way,” the Newcastle boss told reporters on Friday morning.
“He had that balance right in the home game where he was very competitive but also very good technically. We need all players to fire in all departments.”
Guimaraes has excelled of late but continues to walk the tightrope with a two-game suspension looming. One more booking and the Newcastle favourite will miss two domestic ties, in a huge blow to Howe.
Though in recent weeks Guimaraes has toed the line perfectly, something his manager wants to see continue. “He’s managed it really well so far,” Howe added.
“He’s just been his normal self. He hasn’t looked as though it’s conscious in his mind because I don’t think it can be. He’s played with discipline.”
As Howe was speaking to reporters on Friday at Newcastle’s HQ in Benton, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was also briefing the London media ahead of his side’s trip to the north east.
Much has been made of a newly-formed rivalry between Newcastle and Arsenal after spiky outings between the two clubs, with Arteta losing his cool after recent games over VAR decisions, referees, Newcastle’s style of play and much more.
The topic of being ‘streetwise’ has been prominent in discussions around this fixture of late and Arteta believes his side may have to bring out their dark side to get one over Newcastle.
“Yeah, I don’t know about bad guy but you have to be tricky, you have to be smart,” the Spaniard told reporters on Friday. “You have to be street-wise and you have to try to take advantage in every situation. They know that.”
