Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe admits that Chris Wood's winning goal tonight was 'a big thing for him' after his 72nd minute spot-kick was the difference maker for The Magpies in their 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The £25 million man kept his nerve from the penalty spot to bag his first goal at St James' Park since arriving on Tyneside in January – after VAR denied him of giving Newcastle the lead in the first half.
Howe said on the 30-year-old: "He was really challenged tonight.
The goal we thought was a goal – as everyone did in the stadium – and then it’s taken away from him.
"At that moment he must have thought ‘come on, when it’s coming?’
"For the penalty, yes there was a lot of pressure on his shoulders but I thought he struck the penalty really well. That was a big thing for him."
The perfect response after Spurs horror show
Newcastle ended a three game losing run with victory tonight, a win that moved them back to 10 points clear of the relegation zone.
And after being on the receiving end of a 5-1 drubbing away at Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, Howe knew this was exactly what his side needed.
"It feels like a big win for us," he said.
"We knew after the last three defeats we had to respond, especially after the second half against Tottenham."
On the fearless Bruno Guimarães
Bruno Guimarães was awarded the 'Man of the Match' award by Sky Sports for a dominant display in the middle of the park.
The Brazilian international – in his first home start for the club since his arrival from Lyon – made four tackles and won possession back seven times this evening.
Howe waxed lyrical about his star man, when he said: "His desire to get on the ball is so strong.
There is no fear in Bruno and that's why we love him so much."
On Saint-Maximin's performance
Allan Saint-Maximin has been subject to criticism from supporters as of recent for not being at his usual best since his return from injury.
The Frenchman did, however, show flashes of his previous form tonight – and Howe recognises his value to the team.
He said: "For the length of time Maxi's been out, he's probably needed the two games [to get back up to fitness].
"He gave everything for the team.
"He decides games and that's what he's got in him."