Newcastle United have missed ‘big opportunties’ as pundit makes Bruno Guimaraes claim

The Magpies are ahead of schedule in their progress under Eddie Howe but need to turn draws into wins.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Newcastle United have missed some ‘big opportunities’ to put pressure on the Premier League title contenders - according to one Sky Sports pundit.

The Magpies have enjoyed a fine season so far as they challenge for a first return to Champions League football since 2003 and will also aim to bring major silverware to Tyneside for the first time since 1969 when they face Manchester United in the Carabao Cup Final later this month.

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The mood on Tyneside is understandably positive as Eddie Howe’s side look to maintain their outstanding run of just one defeat in 22 league game to hold of the challenge of Tottenham Hotspur and secure a top four place.

The Magpies currently hold a two-point lead over the North London outfit and have the benefit of holding a game in hand. But their advantage could have been even more significant had they not dropped points in their last two games against West Ham United and Bournemouth.

Former Leeds United and England forward Sue Smith has praised United for their performance over the season and believes they are ‘ahead of schedule’ in their development under Howe.

But she also insisted they may look back on their last two games with a tinge of regrets after failing to convert a draw into three points.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He told Sky Sports: “I think the unbeaten run is 17, which is just incredible. They’re in a cup final, looking back at the start of the season they’d have said well if we are top four and in a cup final, what an achievement that is and probably ahead of the schedule they put themselves in.

“It was a little bit of a scrappy game (Bournemouth) at times. They massively miss Bruno Guimaraes, what a player he is and how he adds to the side. They were not at their best, it’s five draws in their last six games and if you’re hyper critical you’re saying can they turn these draws into wins?

“They have missed a couple of big opportunities where they could have turned these draws into wins and that’s being hyper critical because they’re flying and I think the fans are very happy at the moment.”