The Newcastle United move that left Jason Tindall fuming vs Brentford as Bruno Guimaraes stars again

Nine goals in two games - the first time Newcastle United have netted four or more goals in back-to-back matches since the Sir Bobby Robson era in 2001.

Up to fifth in the Premier League. Could things be going any better at St James’ Park right now?

Here, our writer Jordan Cronin provides his five takeaways from the 5-1 victory against Brentford:

Bruno Guimaraes masterclass

What else can you say? Bruno Guimaraes is fastly becoming one of the greatest players to grace the hallowed St James’ Park turf.

To outsiders, and perhaps even some Toon supporters, that may seem like a huge statement to make, especially given he’s only 24 games into his Tyneside career.

But his performances in those matches have been something I’ve never seen before and I genuinely believe (I’m only 24 so go easy on me!) he’s the best midfielder I’ve seen in a black and white shirt. Sorry, Rob Lee...

Yesterday was just another Bruno masterclass, his two goals - both excellent by the way - merely added to a stellar display. The Brazilian, more often than not, runs the show, and he makes it look so easy.

Ivan Toney’s penalty to make it 2-1 threatened a Brentford comeback but Guimaraes took matters into his own hands to ensure his side quickly regained their two-goal advantage.

Dispossessing Aaron Hickey in midfield, the 24-year-old drove forward before effortlessly side-footing the ball past David Raya from outside the area.

That, perhaps, is a move that sums up his outstanding ability. He really is the complete package.

Eddie Howe called it afterwards. For £36million, no matter how ridiculous the football marketplace has grown, is an absolute bargain. I call it a steal.

We hope Bruno never leaves but should a Real Madrid come calling - which seems inevitable by the way - then you can bet his price tag has already tripled.

Callum Wilson redeems himself

After Guimaraes opened the scoring in the 21st minute via a set piece straight off the training ground, United immediately had the opportunity to double their advantage.

Jacob Murphy sent a ball into Callum Wilson and despite having Miguel Almiron and Joe Willock, both free in the penalty area, over to his left, the Magpies No.9 instinctively went alone and saw his shot blocked by Ethan Pinnock.

It was a decision that frustrated assistant coach Jason Tindall, who punched the air on the touchline. When the ball next went out of play, Tindall made sure he got his message across to Wilson.

And minutes later, the 30-year-old redeemed himself. Capitalising on Raya’s error, Wilson carried the ball into the box before finding Murphy eight yards out, who tapped into an empty next.

You can’t fault Wilson for wanting to score and not doing so in a 5-1 victory will have disappointed him. He did have a decent opportunity midway through the second half from a clever Trippier free-kick but he poked the ball wide.

Overall, it was a fairly quiet afternoon for Wilson, who was contained by Ben Mee.

Miguel Almiron is oozing confidence right now

Miguel Almiron looks like a player full of confidence right now, and so he should after a terrific start to the campaign.

His four goals so far - which puts him as United’s top scorer - has already seen him match his previous season’s best goal tally.

The Paraguayan was a livewire against Brentford and was denied another spectacular goal six minutes in when his curling left-footed effort from 25-yards was tipped over by Raya.

He is relentless in pressing opposition defenders, which is exactly how he got his goal in the 82nd minute when he forced Pinnock into a short backpass before picking up the loose ball and rounding Raya to make it 4-1.

Previously, Almiron would have been dead on his feet by the hour-mark, never mind 80+ minutes, but after a run of games, the 28-year-old is clearly another player to benefit from Howe’s management.

While it isn’t a transformation story like Joelinton’s, it is worth noting that Almiron was spoken about in January as a player whom Newcastle could generate a bit of money off.

Ten months on, that view is a distant memory and Almiron is finally living up to the promise that brought him to Tyneside for £20million in 2019.

Dan Burn captaincy

Dan Burn was the first to admit he didn’t have the best of games yesterday. He even joked after the match he felt like he was playing for Brentford in the first half.

However, it was a day to remember for the boyhood Newcastle fan, who was handed the captain’s armband for the remaining 10 or so minutes when Kieran Trippier withdrew.

“I’m not planning on taking it off,” Burn joked to NUFCTV. “It’s special. Obviously supporting Newcastle as a boy, you dream of captaining Newcastle.

“It’d be great if I can start a game as captain but I’ll take anything. It’s a special moment for me.”

The Blyth-born defender certainly deserved that moment having played a huge role - both on and off the pitch - since his £15m homecoming from Brighton and Hove Albion in January.

There’s more to come from Newcastle

It didn’t feel like a 5-1 game. Well, it didn’t to me anyway.

Newcastle would have trailed early doors if it weren’t for VAR, and although Howe’s side were good value for their 2-0 half-time lead, they were noticeably sloppy in possession.

Due to the feel of the game, and again, this is just my opinion, I briefly anticipated Brentford would equalise when Toney pulled one back, though Guimaraes swiftly erased that thought.

And of course, the visitors were the victims of their own collapse in the closing stages when Pinnock gifted a goal and then scored one himself.

Newcastle, I think, have another level to go to, which can only be a positive when they’ve just hit five past a team.

Is this what it feels like to be good?