TYNE & CHEER No roam For racism

Howe shows touch of class to allow Isak and Guimaraes to take plaudits as Toon close in on Champions spot

- ANDY DUNN

WELL into added time, Eddie Howe decided to make a couple of substitutions - not an uncommon ploy for a manager with a lead and one eye on the clock.

But this switch was not about time-wasting - the players withdrawn were Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes.

This was man-management, Howe-style, giving St James’ Park the opportunity to acclaim two players who have led from the front in a campaign that is, more than likely, going to bring back Champions League football to St James' Park.

Guimaraes put in yet another captain's performance, capped by the late strike that confirmed a victory that puts Howe’s side in pole position for a top-five finish - but leaves Chelsea with a hill to climb.

And while Isak did not have his most effective game, had Chelsea possessed a striker of his class and game-intelligence, then they might not have lost this game.