Bruno Guimaraes believes it was 'not even close' to being his best performance but has praised Newcastle United supporters following the draw at Brighton. Eddie Howe's side produced two goalline clearances and had Nick Pope to thank for several key stops in the goalless draw against the Seagulls.
Guimaraes kept his place in the starting eleven as the Magpies head coach made just one change from the side which recorded a comfortable opening-day win over Nottingham Forest. Sven Botman made his full black-and-white debut, with Dan Burn shifted to left-back in place of Matt Target who was ruled out with a dead leg.
Brighton came into the contest on the back of a historic victory at Old Trafford, with a Pascal Gross double sealing a 2-1 victory against Manchester United. Graham Potter's side fashioned the clearest openings on Saturday afternoon, but were unable to find a way through a resilient rearguard display.
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Guimaraes has been consistently impressive for Newcastle since making the move from Lyon in January, and a long-term injury to Jonjo Shelvey means the 24-year-old is likely one of the first names on the teamsheet in the coming months. However, the midfielder was unable to dictate proceedings in his usual fashion at the Amex Stadium.
Guimaraes took to social media following the draw to praise the role of supporters in earning an 'important point', while accepting it was not his best display in black-and-white. He posted: "Not even close to be my best game, but we keep 1 important point and another clean sheat [sic], let’s keep working for the news [sic] challenges. Thanks Geordies for the best support as always."
United fans were quick to urge Guimaraes not to dwell on his afternoon's work, instead pushing the midfielder to focus on returning to his best next weekend against Manchester City. One supporter replied: "You did your best today mate they are a very good side, we take a point and keep going!"
Another fan commented: "You will come back bigger and stronger Bruno. Great point today in a tough game. Onwards and upwards."
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