Newcastle rises to 5th in EPL with 5-1 rout of Brentford

Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes, center, celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game with team-mates during the English Premier League soccer match between Newcastle United and Brentford on Oct. 8, 2022. (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)

NEWCASTLE, England (AP) — Bruno Guimaraes scored a brace and Newcastle moved up to fifth in the English Premier League after beating Brentford 5-1 on Saturday.

The Brazil midfielder headed the Magpies into a 22nd-minute lead and, after Jacob Murphy doubled their advantage, drilled home a long-range effort in the 56th.

The goals delighted the home fans among a crowd of 52,067 at St. James’ Park, a year and a day after Amanda Staveley’s Saudi-backed consortium controversially completed its takeover.

Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the English Premier League soccer match between Newcastle United and Brentford at St James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Saturday Oct. 8, 2022. (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)

Ivan Toney converted a penalty in between for mid-table Brentford, but Eddie Howe’s team was not to be denied as it completed back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

Miguel Almiron and Ethan Pinnock’s own-goal saw Newcastle enjoy its biggest victory to date under Howe.

Newcastle is level on points with Brighton, which played Tottenham later Saturday.