Bruno Guimaraes 'concern' as Newcastle United faithful brilliantly react to deal agreed claim

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Newcastle United returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 3-1 win away to rock-bottom Southampton.

A Jan Bednarek opener wasn’t in the script, but normality was soon restored through Alexander Isak’s first-half brace. Sandro Tonali then gave the Magpies breathing space almost immediately after half-time.

It’s now 10 wins in 11 for Eddie Howe’s side, with last weekend’s 4-1 defeat at home to AFC Bournemouth going down as nothing more than an off-day.

Here’s our five talking points from the match:

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Faith in Martin Dubravka

Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United celebrates after teammate Sandro Tonali (not pictured) scored their team's third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United FC at St Mary's Stadium on January 25, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United celebrates after teammate Sandro Tonali (not pictured) scored their team's third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United FC at St Mary's Stadium on January 25, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United celebrates after teammate Sandro Tonali (not pictured) scored their team's third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United FC at St Mary's Stadium on January 25, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Even though Nick Pope was back with the squad, it was little surprise to see Martin Dubravka retain his place in goal.

But it was probably the first time when there haven’t been calls to immediately recall Pope, and there are two reasons for that.

The first, of course, is the form of Dubravka, with his inclusion in the side coinciding with 10 wins in 11 matches. During that period, the Slovakian has been regularly praised for his distribution.

And prior to Pope’s knee injury at the start of last month, there were question marks over whether the 32-year-old had been short of his best after dislocating his shoulder last season.

Quite simply, the jersey is Dubravka’s to lose.

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Sensational Isak

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We know Alexander Isak is world-class, but his display in the first half on the South Coast further underlined that.

After falling behind to Bednarek’s header, the Swede won and scored the penalty to draw his level. His second goal moments later was of the highest level.

Jacob Murphy’s run and pass was terrific but Isak’s first touch was majestic. Controlled with the left foot, scored with the right foot. It’s no wonder Alan Shearer was raving about it.

And on the subject of Shearer, the Swede has moved 100 behind the 54-year-old’s record of 148 Premier League goals for Newcastle.

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Still a long way to go, of course, but Isak, in just two-and-half-seasons on Tyneside, is the closest anyone has got to Shearer. That’s achievement in itself.

If the 25-year-old stays beyond his contract in 2028 then he genuinely has a chance of breaking it.

Sandro ole ole ole

Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Newcastle’s midfield maestro by chant, and also by nature. In the last six weeks, Sandro Tonali has become a central part of Howe’s team.

On a day when Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton were short of their best, the Italian shone. The belief was Tonali would always come good but he wasn’t showing it - until now.

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Technically brilliant with an engine not many can match, Tonali is now showing his worth tenfold.

“I'm pleased you picked him out because for me he was magnificent today,” Howe said after the game. “In every way, really. I think his ball-winning ability was second to none.

“His understanding, again, of what we asked him to do, how we wanted him to play was first class. He scored a goal, which of course will take the headlines. And it was a great goal to score.

“Showed his athleticism, his speed, his coolness. But he's just become such an important player for us in a very quick time. I can't praise him enough after today.”

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Bruno Guimaraes sparks concern

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For the second game running, the Brazilian had a face like thunder when his number went up on the substitute board.

It’s probably the signs of the player who is frustrated with his last couple of performances, though Guimaraes’ post-match tweet momentarily had everyone thinking if it was much more sinister.

“I don’t know what the future holds, but this team will always fight for the best for our club! +3 and see you next week,” he said.

In a matter of minutes, those first seven words sent the Magpies’ fanbase into meltdown on social media, sparking fear that the 27-year-old had cast doubt over his St James’ Park.

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The response was so strong that Guimaraes was forced to clarify what he meant. And thankfully, he’s going to nowhere...

He said: “Don’t worry guys! I am talking about what happens on the pitch. Thank you again for the support today, see you at St. James’ Park.”

Miguel Almiron goodbye?

Miguel Almiron of Newcastle United acknowledges the fans after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United FC at St Mary's Stadium on January 25, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)Miguel Almiron of Newcastle United acknowledges the fans after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United FC at St Mary's Stadium on January 25, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Miguel Almiron of Newcastle United acknowledges the fans after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United FC at St Mary's Stadium on January 25, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images) | Getty Images

If it was a goodbye then it’s a wholesome way to bow out.

Miguel Almiron was introduced from the bench in the 88th minute at St Mary’s. From that moment to after the final whistle, the travelling 3,000 Geordie sang the Paraguayan’s name non-stop.

And not one for taking the acclaim, Howe pushed Almiron to the front of the away end and the winger responded by raising his arm in the air and putting his hand on the Newcastle United badge.

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After the game, Howe said it wasn’t a planned farewell but it is looking increasingly likely with Newcastle understood to have accepted a bid from MLS side Atlanta United.

Six years on from joining Newcastle for a then £21million club-record fee, no one can say Almiron has been a bad signing. With over 200 appearances and some iconic moments to show for it, he deserved that reception.

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