Newcastle United could do nothing as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Liverpool on Wednesday night.
The Magpies failed to register a shot on target in the defeat and struggled to stamp their authority on the game with just 38% possession.
The defeat now leaves Eddie Howe’s side sixth in the Premier League table and once again out of a possible Champions League spot, albeit only two points behind Chelsea in fifth.
While few fans expected Newcastle United to beat Liverpool at Anfield, the manner in which the defeat came was disappointing. Newcastle were without Alexander Isak who reportedly hurt his ground following the win against Nottingham Forest, leaving Callum Wilson to lead the line.
After Newcastle fans blasted Nick Pope for his performance in Sunday’s win against Forest there was hope that the shot-stopper could redeem himself. Unfortunately, the 32-year-old looked shaky throughout and should have done much better for their goals. Steve McManaman came to Pope’s defence but fans will be hoping that Martin Dubravka returns to first-team action in the near future.
With Newcastle in need of improvements after the Carabao Cup final dress rehearsal, former Toon star John Anderson has singled out one player who he thinks has struggled for some time.
John Anderson blasts Bruno Guimaraes in Liverpool defeat
Anderson has seen his fair share of football this season, working as a commentator for BBC Radio Newcastle alongside Matthew Raisbeck. The former Newcastle defender has undoubtedly seen the highest highs and lowest lows of Newcastle this season, Wednesday’s performance will be classed in the latter.
Bruno Guimaraes has been sensational at times this season but has seemed to struggle to be his press-resistant self in the last few weeks. The Brazilian has played every league game this season so there is a good possibility that fatigue may be starting to creep in.
Howe berated Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali for their mistakes which led to Liverpool scoring both goals in either half – causing Anderson to speak some home truths about the 27-year-old on BBC Radio Newcastle.
“I think he’s been awful lately,” Anderson said.
“He looked like he couldn’t run, looked like he was chasing shadows, I think he’s been poor for a while.”
Guimaraes was named Newcastle captain this season following discussions with Howe where he requested to be more involved in behind the scenes proceedings within the club. As captain, it’s down to the Brazilian to pick himself up and set an example for the rest of his team.
Newcastle can rest Bruno Guimaraes for the FA Cup
While it’s important for Guimaraes to bounce back from recent performances, it’s evident that he needs time out of Newcastle’s matchday squad to rest up before the end of the season.
Newcastle take on Brighton in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday. Howe has already rotated heavily in the competition and is likely to do the same for this tie. The game is a great opportunity to give Guimaraes his time away from Newcastle’s squad and recharge the batteries.
Bruno Guimaraes2024/25 Statistics (All Competitions)Appearances34Minutes2,764Goals2Assists8
Howe needs his best players available ahead of the Carabao Cup final, Guimaraes included. If he has the chance to rest players on Sunday then he should certainly take it. The Toon boss isn’t short of replacements in that position either. Lewis Miley has impressed for Newcastle since returning to the first-team pitcture following Joelinton’s injury.
The likes of Sean Longstaff are also still available to Howe as well. In extreme circumstances, Newcastle can play several players out of position in midfield – Lewis Hall, Anthony Gordon and suprisingly Matt Targett can all play as midfielders if need be.
