Bruno Guimaraes can proudly call himself a Carabao Cup winner after Newcastle United won 2-1 in what was a final for the ages against Liverpool.
Alan Shearer text Guimaraes before he faced Liverpool and the Newcastle legend’s message seemed to motivate the Brazilian to put in a domineering display at Wembley Stadium.
Guimaraes, who Andrea Berta is targeting at Arsenal showed is he is a Magpie through and through by playing his heart out against the Reds — defending for his life, playing incisive line-breaking passes and dominating the midfield battle alongside Joelinton and Sandro Tonali.
Bruno Guimaraes is a fan favourite at St. James’ Park and the Brazilian’s latest exploits against Liverpool summed up why as he is the perfect blend between a fighter and an orchestrator in the middle of the park.
Thierry Henry was “fuming” at Bruno Guimaraes for Federico Chiesa goal
But with the lofty standards Guimaraes has set in a Newcastle shirt, he was not at his absolute best against the Reds as well.
In fact, Eddie Howe’s skipper could have cost after he was dispossessed by Harvey Elliott after attempting a needless turn, with the Englishman assisting Federico Chiesa’s late goal.
Luckily for Guimaraes, his glaring error did not cost Newcastle, who hung on until the referee’s final whistle and beat Liverpool to win the Carabao Cup.
But Thierry Henry told Eddie Howe that he was upset with Guimaraes was attempting such an unnecessary turn that led to Chiesa’s goal during a post-match interview on CBS Sports.
“I always say that people always talk about teams controlling the game in possession, you controlled the game also off the ball. I mean, they didn’t have anything apart from the end and we’re not going to talk about what Guimaraes did because I was fuming over there, I’m sure you were also fuming.”
Kieran Trippier was angry at Bruno Guimaraes during Liverpool vs Newcastle
Thierry Henry asked Kieran Trippier whether he was upset by Guimaraes’ mistake as well: “One last thing, because although I’m not at the level of your coach, I do coach from time to time. My first reaction and I think, listen, he’s brilliant, he’s an outstanding player but let’s be honest, what did you think when Guimaraes does that turn in midfield when he could have played that ball and you could have got on the counter?”
Tripper replied: “I was fuming!”
Thierry Henry said: “Thank you!”
Trippier added: “I was fuming. Because obviously, in moments like these, it’s about game management. You know, just one simple pass and you’re through on goal but can’t blame Bruno, he’s been unbelievable for us.”
Thierry Henry said: “No, this is what I’m saying, I was fuming over there but he’s been outstanding. I was just hoping for you that what about if they make it 2-2?”
But Guimaraes’ teammates at Newcastle love him and after witnessing the shift he put in against Liverpool, they would have found it easy to forgive his lapse in concentration.