Newcastle United won for the third game in succession as they beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at St. James' Park in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

Eddie Howe's side have hit the magic 40-point mark in the top-flight and are now a whopping 15 points clear of the bottom three as it stands

Miguel Almiron scored the only goal of the game as he brilliantly cut inside off the right to whip a fantastic shot into the far top corner. It was the Paraguay international's first league goal of the season and it was enough for all three points on the night.

Whilst he was the match-winner in the end for the Magpies, the real hero for the ex-Cherries coach was central midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian gem ran the show from the middle of the park and was absolutely crucial to everything good that the Toon did in the game.

Howe dubbed him as a "standout" upon his arrival in England in January and that is exactly what he was in this win over Palace. On and off the ball, he was superb and showed why the club decided to spend £40m to snap him up the player who Jordan Cronin described as a "magic man" from Ligue 1 side Lyon.

Out of possession, he was everywhere. As per SofaScore, he won an impressive 13 duels - nine more than Jonjo Shelvey and ten more than Joelinton - as he made three tackles and two interceptions and one block. He was constantly closing down Palace players and putting his foot in to win the ball back for his side to put them on the front foot.

On the ball, he showed class, completing 89% of his passes and 100% of his long pass attempts, whilst creating two chances and completing six of his nine dribbles. He also helped to alleviate pressure for his team as he won four fouls throughout the match, with the opposition being forced to foul him because of his quick feet and natural strength.

His best moment in possession, however, came when he assisted the only goal of the game. His sublime volley to send Almiron away on the right when nothing appeared to be on for him was a moment of true quality.

Overall, he mixed terrific energy and defensive play with skill and poise on the ball and was magnificent for the Magpies. Howe will surely be delighted by his performance and excited about the future with him in the team.

AND in other news, Howe can unearth his own Ginola in Newcastle's rarely-seen 19 y/o "bright talent"...