Willock packs punch in absence of Bruno

MAGPIES CAN THRIVE WITHOUT GUIMARAES

- By Ian Murtagh

JOE WILLOCK did not just make a triumphant return to Arsenal, he proved Newcastle can flourish without Bruno Guimaraes.

The Toon had never won a game that Guimaraes missed since they signed the Brazilian from Lyon three years ago.

But Willock did not just fill the void left by the absence of the suspended Guimaraes in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, he soothed the Toon Army, who feared Newcastle would not function as effectively with their skipper in the stands.

The former Gunner did not just slot seamlessly alongside Joelinton and Sandro Tonali in the Magpies' midfield, he proved to Eddie Howe that, after an injury-ravaged 12 months, he is approaching his best again.