Bruno Guimaraes double boosts Newcastle on takeover anniversary

Bruno Guimaraes helped himself to a double as Newcastle celebrated a year under their new owners with a stylish 5-1 Premier League victory over Brentford.

The Brazil midfielder headed the Magpies into a 22nd-minute lead and after Jacob Murphy had doubled their advantage, drilled home a long-range 56th-minute effort to delight the home fans among a crowd of 52,067 at St James’ Park a year and a day after Amanda Staveley’s Saudi-backed consortium completed its takeover.

Ivan Toney had converted a penalty in between, but Eddie Howe’s men were not to be denied as they completed back-to-back wins for the first time this season after Miguel Almiron and Ethan Pinnock’s own goal saw them complete their biggest victory to date under the 44-year-old.

"Today was a tough game. Brentford make it very difficult for you. We had a bit of a slow start but the first goal changed everything from our perspective," said Howe.

"[Guimaraes] was outstanding. we really missed him when he was out. Quality player who helps us in every phase.

"If you look where the goals came from today our intensity and pressing, we forced them into errors and we got rewarded for that. Overall a great day for us."

Bees keeper David Raya had to pull off a fine save with just six minutes gone when, after Guimaraes had picked him out on the right with a sweeping crossfield ball, Almiron cut inside before curling a left-footed shot towards the far corner.

The visitors, despite enjoying a lesser share of the possession, threatened sporadically with Bryan Mbeumo in menacing mood, and he thought he had given them a 10th-minute lead from Shandon Baptiste’s pass.

Referee John Brooks initially awarded the goal but was invited to take a second look and ultimately ruled it