Last-gasp Guimaraes header seals Newcastle win over Leicester

Bruno Guimaraes’ last-gasp header clinched a 2-1 win for Newcastle over Leicester to all but secure the Magpies’ Premier League survival in dramatic circumstances at St James’ Park.

Guimaraes had cancelled out Ademola Lookman’s opener when he bundled home from a corner in the first half, and the Brazilian then grabbed the winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time when he headed home substitute Joe Willock’s deflected cross to spark wild celebrations inside the stadium.

The late goal was a bitter blow to the Foxes, who fielded a heavily-rotated side following their Europa Conference League exertions on Thursday and looked more likely to get the breakthrough in the second period, but it was a huge moment for the hosts.

Newcastle, already 10 points clear of the drop zone ahead of kick-off, stretched the gap to 12 points thanks to Guimaraes’ header as 18th-placed Burnley drew 1-1 with West Ham in Sunday’s other Premier League game.

They are not yet mathematically safe yet, but thanks to the two-goal heroics of their GBP40m January signing from Lyon, Eddie Howe and his players are able to look ahead to another season of top-flight football and perhaps a brighter future too.

Full match report to follow…

What’s next?

Newcastle host Crystal Palace and Leicester travel to Everton in the Premier League on Wednesday at 7.45pm.