Bruno Guimaraes chalked up his 50th Newcastle United appearance on Sunday - and what a way to celebrate. The 6-1 demolition of Spurs opened up a six point gap between the two sides, with the Magpies' European destiny firmly in their own hands with seven to play.
Guimaraes again dropped a midfield masterclass as he quietly went about his business getting the better of Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg at St James' Park. The Brazilian has barely put a foot wrong since arriving from Lyon 15 months ago, hence his astronomical standing among Newcastle's support.
Newcastle fans have been here before, albeit admittedly not quite in this fashion. Yohan Cabaye, who enjoyed a similar reputation among the Geordie faithful, is the stand out name when supporters cast their mind back to another fan-favourite in the middle of the park.
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Admiration for Cabaye admittedly dwindled somewhat as he sought a move to a bigger and better outfit. Had Mike Ashley invested as the current owners have, it's likely the Frenchman wouldn't have pushed so hard for a move to pastures new.
Of course, Newcastle are on another planet to when Cabaye plied his trade on Tyneside. These days care and attention is being paid to Newcastle both on and off the pitch and the collective dream of disrupting the Premier League's elite on a long-term basis, rather than only this season, seems fathomable.
As such, Guimaraes, unlike Cabaye, has not shown any inclination he is ready to depart in search of better prospects elsewhere.
But while so much emphasis has been put on reaching the Champions League to attract new additions to Tyneside, ending the 20-year wait for a shot at Europe's biggest prize is crucial for ensuring Bruno adds significantly to his tally of 50 appearances in black and white.
Guimaraes has never shied away when it comes to sharing his Champions League ambition. From the very first interview he gave as a Newcastle United player his feelings were crystal clear.
“We are going to be a club with big power in world football," he said in February 2022. "In the future, the main objective in the seasons to come, is to be in the Champions League and eventually to win the Champions League."
Bruno's performances of late have led to inevitable links to Real Madrid, Manchester City and Liverpool. Clubs who could offer the ex-Lyon man an improved salary package and a more realistic shot at winning the Champions League as opposed to simply qualifying for Europe's premier competition.
But as long as the Magpies reach the top table, there seems little reason for Bruno to say his goodbyes. His relationship with the Newcastle fan base represents a bond seldom seen on Tyneside in years gone by.
In terms of reaching the top four this season, Bruno's belief is clear. "Top four? We can do, we can do. Seven games to go," Guimaraes said after Sunday's hammering.
"Let’s keep working. We can’t speak too much about the future, it is game by game. We started this way, so let’s finish this way.”
