'A difficult place' - Bruno Guimaraes reacts after Newcastle United reunion with Alexander Isak

Bruno Guimaraes edged out Alexander Isak in the battle of the Newcastle United mercenaries at Anfield.

Newcastle United were given a Super Sunday-sized reminder of how close they came to challenging the elite last night. The flagship event of the Premier League weekend saw Arsenal edge out Liverpool 1-0 with a champion-like performance - their first Anfield win since 2012.

But for Newcastle fans, this was the ultimate hate-watch. It was Alexander Isak vs Bruno Guimaraes - a fixture that pitted arguably the two defining players of the Saudi-backed era against each other.

Two players who deserted the project, believing their career opportunities were better served elsewhere. And two players who - as Isak learned on the opening day of the season - will receive hostile receptions whenever they return to Tyneside.

For many, it still does not feel right seeing either former Newcastle star in a Liverpool or Arsenal jersey. One silver lining is that neither performed to the levels United fans witnessed regularly in black-and-white shirts.

Isak has scored six Premier League goals this season but failed to muster a shot on target. As for Guimaraes, he was hooked on the hour mark, further highlighting his new-found status as a bit-part player.

The duo shared a brief embrace at the full-time whistle, showing they had not fully expunged Newcastle from their memory. They may want to stay off social media when assessing whether their St James’ Park legacy remains intact.

Newcastle United fans react to Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes

Bruno Guimaraes on Arsenal win

Guimaraes - substituted for Miles Lewis-Skelly on 62 minutes - was quick to react on social media. Hailing a first Arsenal win at Anfield since September 2012, the Brazilian wrote: “14 years is over. Back to the top and against a top side in a difficult place. Thanks for the support Gunners.”

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