Gary Lineker and Ian Wright spot intriguing ‘detail’ in build-up to Newcastle United goal vs Brentford

Gary Lineker and Ian Wright have hailed the “attention to detail” that led to Newcastle United’s opening goal against Brentford on Saturday.

The Magpies ran out 5-1 winners in a ruthless display at St. James’ Park that elevated them to fifth in the table and extended their unbeaten streak to four top flight matches. For their part, the Bees now sit 12th.

A brace from Bruno Guimaraes, as well as strikes from Jacob Murphy, Miguel Almiron, and a late own goal from Ethan Pinnock were enough to secure all three points for Eddie Howe’s men, with Ivan Toney slotting away a consolation penalty for the visitors shortly after the interval.

But it was Guimaraes’ first strike - a well-taken header from a smartly-worked corner routine - that really impressed Wright in particular.

Discussing the Magpies’ performance with the former Arsenal striker on Match of the Day, Lineker said: “It’s not just the intensity, it’s the attention to detail. You spotted something for one of the goals...”

Responding cheekily, Wright said: “Yes, I did. That’s what I do, bro.”

He continued: “Obviously they’re working very hard on set-pieces. This one, for instance, looks like it’s very straight forward - the ball comes to Kieran Trippier and we know how great he is at delivering.

“But when you watch it again, you can see Murphy is waiting on the edge of the box, and then he’s going to go late. That kind of attracts Mbuemo. You look at Bruno, he’s acting like he’s going to do his laces up.

“Here it comes [to Trippier]. Once it comes in, you’re looking here and Dan Burn is kind of blocking Ben Mee, and that then gives Guimaraes the free header. Brilliantly worked. They were fantastic today.”