Newcastle United have moved into fifth position in the Premier League table courtesy of a 5-1 victory over Brentford at St James’ Park.
The Magpies have now only lost one of their nine league games this term, and their third victory of the campaign has seen them rise into fifth spot, two points behind Chelsea, who were 3-0 winners over Wolverhampton Wanderers on the same afternoon.
Guimaraes put Newcastle ahead with a flying header before Jacob Murphy doubled the advantage shortly after following an error from David Raya.
Ivan Toney scored against his old club via a penalty, but Guimaraes netted again less than two minutes after.
Miguel Almiron and an Ethan Pinnock own goal completed the scoring.
Brentford were first to have the ball in the back of the net, Bryan Mbeumo running on to a Shandon Baptiste flick and slamming through Nick Pope’s legs. However Toney was ruled to be interfering with play as he moved out the way of the ball while offside, and the effort was ruled out by VAR.
Instead Newcastle took the lead, Kieran Trippier brilliantly curling in a far-post cross from deep after a short corner with Guimaraes heading home.
Newcastle boss Howe, speaking to Match of the Day, said of Guimaraes: “He was outstanding. We really missed him when he was out [as he is] a quality player who helps us in every phase.”
United doubled their lead thanks to a howler from Raya, who passed straight to Callum Wilson. He played square for Murphy to strike past covering defender Ben Mee.
Toney made it 2-1 from the spot after Aaron Hickey headed against Dan Burn’s raised arm, but one minute and 57 seconds later Guimaraes restored the two-goal advantage as he won the ball from Hickey near the halfway line, drove forward and struck to Raya’s right from 25 yards.
Brentford were their own worst enemies as they were caught playing out from the back again, Pinnock selling Raya short with an under-hit pass that Almiron burst on to and slammed home.
Pinnock was again at fault for number five, sticking a boot out right in front of Raya to deflect a low cross from the left past his own goalkeeper
