Newcastle United fans will love what Emil Krafth did during Bruno Guimaraes’ goal celebration

Newcastle United ended their Carrow Road hoodoo to move into the top 10 of the Premier League.

A double for Joelinton and a goal from Bruno Guimaraes recorded a 3-0 against Norwich City as Eddie Howe’s side claimed a fourth straight win.

Our writer Jordan Cronin provides his FIVE talking points from victory win in East Anglia:

Tactical tweak changes the game

Howe made four changes to his starting XI with Jamaal Lascelles, Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock and Jacob Murphy coming in for Fabian Schar, Jonjo Shelvey, Miguel Almiron and Chris Wood.

The decision to rest Wood, who had started every game following his £25m arrival from Burnley in January, saw Joelinton handed the striker role for the first time in a LONG time.

In the opening stages, Norwich edged it. They certainly had the greater opportunities with United fortunate that Kieran Dowell left his shooting boots at home.

It was midway through the first-half when United began to threaten an opener of their own, and that coincided with Howe’s decision to swap Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton on the left-wing.

For both goals, the Brazilian was left unmarked at the back post by Sam Byram.

Saint-Maximin and Joelinton linked up for the first before Jacob Murphy’s blocked shot by Grant Hanley fell into the 25-year-old’s path.

The Joelinton appreciation continues

It was perhaps fitting that Joelinton was serenaded by Newcastle fans at Norwich, the club United faced when the Brazilian’s revival truly began in late November.

And in a funny way, United actually have Ciaran Clark to thank as his red card in the reverse fixture was inadvertently the start of Joelinton’s emergence in midfield.

Fast forward five months later against the same team and the former Hoffenheim man was the last man off the pitch as he soaked up his dedicated “He’s Brazilian” chant.

Another special moment and another beautiful example of how far Joelinton has come since his £40million flop tag. Now, he is anything but.

Touch of class from Bruno Guimaraes

Seven starts, four goals and one assist - Guimaraes’ impact following his January arrival from Lyon has certainly been felt on Tyneside.

His goal contributions only tell half the story however, with the Brazil star proving to be a class above through his calmness in possession, precise passing and all-round know-how.

Indeed, it was his eye-of-the-needle pass between Kenny McLean and Hanley that set Murphy away and led to the second goal when the ball fell to Joelinton.

Guimaraes wasn’t signed to score goals, but he looks every bit of a complete midfielder, one that can score regularly.

And what a goal he netted at Carrow Road. Admittedly, it was a gift from Tim Krul but to have the composure to scoop the ball over the former United goalkeeper is another exciting sign.

Guimaraes’ goal celebration was a joy to behold too as Emil Krafth placed a black and white jester hat, presumably found from the away end, onto his teammate’s head.

Into the top 10 - what an achievement

Make no doubt about it, to be sitting in the Premier League top 10 right now is nothing short of incredible.

No team in Premier League history that failed to win any of their opening 14 games have stayed up. Well, Newcastle have smashed that bad trend out of the park with their stunning form in 2022.

From 15 games, United have won 10, drawn two and lost three, a record only title-chasing Liverpool have bettered in this calendar.

Not a soul could have predicted Newcastle being safe with games to spare, never mind sitting in the top-half.

It’s even more crazy that the Magpies sit just nine points off the European places. Imagine if the start of the season wasn’t a complete disaster?

Of course, that’s looking too far ahead as it was only last week that relegation was still on the mind. But certainly, with four of five additions in the summer, it offers hope that the jump to the next level can be done.

One of the champions await

Newcastle will enjoy seeing their name in the top 10 but they’ll do well to remain there in the next few weeks with title-chasing Liverpool and Manchester City to come in succession.

And Howe’s side could have a huge say over who lifts the Premier League title.

Welcoming Liverpool to St James’ Park, no matter how far apart the two clubs are, always has a big-game feel to it. A trip to the Etihad Stadium, however, tends to a little more daunting.

But the Magpies can head into both games under no pressure and with confidence that they can give anyone a game on current form.

With that, who knows what can happen.