Newcastle United secured a crucial 1-0 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium, moving up to sixth in the Premier League and gaining momentum ahead of their highly anticipated Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
Eddie Howe’s side, looking to end a 70-year wait for a major trophy, knew the importance of a win on Monday night. Their determination paid off when Bruno Guimarães netted the only goal of the match in the second half, ensuring the Magpies travel to Wembley on Sunday in high spirits.
The match started nervously for Newcastle as a defensive slip from Tino Livramento in the opening minute allowed West Ham’s Tomas Soucek a golden opportunity. However, the midfielder fired over from close range, letting the visitors off the hook.
Newcastle gradually grew into the game, with Harvey Barnes proving to be a constant threat. The forward, making his first league start since December 7, came close twice in the first half. His initial effort from Kieran Trippier’s low cross was well saved by Alphonse Areola, before the West Ham goalkeeper denied him again with an excellent reaction stop from a header.
West Ham, who began the match brightly, struggled to create clear-cut chances after their early opening. Despite some appeals for a penalty in the second half when Jarrod Bowen went down in the box, the Hammers failed to truly test Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Newcastle’s breakthrough came in the 57th minute, moments after Areola had pulled off another fine save to deny an own goal from Max Kilman. Barnes lofted a precise pass into the box, and Guimarães capitalized, turning the ball home to give his side the lead.
David Moyes’ West Ham side protested the goal, believing Kilman had been fouled in the build-up, but the referee waved away their claims. Ultimately, the home side lacked the cutting edge to salvage a point, and their defeat leaves them 16th in the table, dangerously close to the relegation zone.
For Newcastle, the win could not have come at a better time. With injuries and suspensions affecting their squad, Howe’s men showed resilience and determination, qualities they will need against Premier League leaders Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. The Magpies will now turn their focus to Wembley, where they aim to lift their first major silverware since 1955.
