Forget ASM: Lee Ryder lauds 9/10 NUFC ace who 'played this game like a Champions League final'

Journalist Lee Ryder handed Bruno Guimaraes a 9/10 match rating for his latest Newcastle United display.

Newcastle were part of a true Premier League classic as they led champions Manchester City 3-1 at St James’ Park for a brief period of time, but had to settle for a point in the end – something they more than deserved after racking up 12 shots across the 90 minutes.

The Magpies now sit very pretty in sixth and remain unbeaten in the league this season under Eddie Howe, and while Allan Saint-Maximin was awarded the Player of the Match award – receiving a 10/10 rating from Ryder – Guimaraes was another standout performer.

Guimaraes was booked early on in the first half, but managed to keep his cool and enjoy a very successful afternoon on Tyneside, as Ryder spoke about in his player ratings.

He said: “Raised the bar again as he played this game like a Champions League final. Controlled the game and walked tightrope after yellow card.”

TIF Thoughts on Guimaraes…

Since arriving at Newcastle near the end of January, Guimaraes has managed to win the most fouls, make the most tackles and win the most duels in the Premier League, which just shows the level he is performing at and it was once again on show this weekend, racking up 54 touches – the most out of any Newcastle player (WhoScored).

Considering Newcastle beat Arsenal to the signing of Guimaraes and had to pay £40m for the midfielder, there was a lot of expectation on his shoulders to improve the Magpies, and he has certainly done that.

Although the goals from last season appear to have dried up at the start of this campaign, his influence on the side certainly hasn’t, as he leads his teammates in the number of carries and also ranks second when it comes to completed