Newcastle up to 5th in Premier League after 5-1 rout of Brentford

NEWCASTLE: It seemed only fitting that one year on from those jubilant takeover scenes, Newcastle United would again create a party atmosphere at St. James’ Park. Eddie Howe’s Magpies were in rampant form on Tyneside as they put Brentford to the sword, with Bruno Guimaraes the man at the heart of it all.

The crafty Brazilian netted twice on the day from defensive midfield as he orchestrated yet another comprehensive win for United. Miguel Almiron took his goals tally for the season to four, making him top-scorer ahead of Callum Wilson, while Jacob Murphy got his first of the campaign before an Ethan Pinnock own goal rounded things off. While Ivan Toney netted from the spot for the visitors, as United climbed into the Premier League’s top five with three points.

Having seen off Fulham at Craven Cottage with relative ease last weekend, head coach Howe stuck with the same starting XI against the Bees. And it was one of those who he decided to keep in the side — Murphy — who more than justified his decision, with a pacey, dynamic display, capped with the second in a blistering opening 45 at St. James’ Park.

So close to bagging a hat-trick last weekend, Almiron almost added another to his growing collection of United wonder goals. His cut in from the right was tipped wide by David Raya when it looked destined for the far corner. Despite a dominant start, Brentford showed they can hurt anyone on the break.

And they had the ball in the net with 11 minutes gone only for VAR, and referee John Brooks to rule it out. The impressive Bryan Mbuemo found the bottom corner of Nick Pope’s goal only for Ivan Toney to be ruled out for offside, having been adjudged to have interfered with play in the build-up. It was a let off for United,