Bruno Guimaraes, the Newcastle United midfielder, found a heartwarming way to celebrate his team’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, despite being suspended for the match. Unable to contribute on the pitch due to accumulated yellow cards in previous rounds, Guimaraes watched the game from home with his family. A video captured by his partner, Ana Lidia Martins Guimaraes, shows the Brazilian international jubilantly jumping and chanting “Newcastle” with his son, Matteo, in his arms after the final whistle. The endearing footage quickly went viral on social media, charming fans who praised Guimaraes’s evident passion for the club and the heartwarming father-son moment.
Newcastle’s victory came courtesy of goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. Isak opened the scoring, although the goal sparked controversy among Arsenal supporters who believed he had unfairly pushed Martin Odegaard in the buildup. Gordon then doubled the lead, capping his performance with a Thierry Henry-esque celebration, a nod to the Arsenal legend, further fueling the home fans’ frustration. While Guimaraes celebrated with his family, his teammate, Martin Dubravka, experienced a more poignant moment, appearing to bid farewell to the club amidst rumors of an impending transfer to Saudi Arabia. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, in a post-match interview, seemed to attribute the defeat, in part, to the condition of the match ball.
Guimaraes’s absence didn’t hinder Newcastle’s performance, with the team demonstrating impressive form against a strong Arsenal side. The Magpies’ win gives them a significant advantage going into the second leg of the semi-final. Guimaraes will be available for selection in the return fixture, adding further strength to the Newcastle squad. His enthusiasm, as demonstrated in the celebratory video, will no doubt be a boost to the team as they aim to secure their place in the Carabao Cup final.
The match also saw Arsenal struggle to find their rhythm, with several key players underperforming. A player rating analysis by Jordan Davies highlighted some of the individual performances. David Raya, in goal, looked nervous at times and was unfortunate to concede both goals. Myles Lewis-Skelly, however, impressed with his composure and defensive contributions. While Gabriel and William Saliba struggled to contain Isak, Jurrien Timber missed a crucial opportunity and was at fault for Gordon’s goal.
Further analysis showed varying performances in midfield and attack. Thomas Partey and Declan Rice linked play adequately but lacked their usual spark. Martin Odegaard, despite being tightly marked, showed glimpses of his best form. Gabriel Martinelli was a bright spot, displaying direct running and creating chances but lacked a finishing touch. Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz, however, struggled to make an impact. Substitutes Jorginho and Gabriel Jesus injected some energy into the game but couldn’t turn the tide, while Oleksandr Zinchenko quickly picked up a yellow card after coming on.
The contrast between the joyful celebration of Guimaraes and the disappointment of the Arsenal camp highlighted the differing fortunes of the two teams on the night. Newcastle’s victory, fueled by strong performances and a touch of good fortune, left them in a commanding position. Arsenal, on the other hand, were left to rue missed chances and defensive lapses, leaving them with a significant uphill battle in the second leg.
This Carabao Cup clash underscored the unpredictable nature of football. While Guimaraes’s absence could have been seen as a disadvantage for Newcastle, they rose to the occasion and delivered a strong performance. Arsenal, despite their strong squad, were unable to break down the resolute Newcastle defense and capitalize on their opportunities. The result leaves the tie firmly in Newcastle’s favor, and they will go into the second leg with confidence and momentum. Guimaraes’s return will further bolster their chances of progressing to the final, fulfilling the hopes and dreams he shared with his son in that heartwarming celebration.
