Newcastle United earned a valuable three points against West Ham, climbing to sixth place in the Premier League and gaining momentum ahead of their Carabao Cup final clash with Liverpool.
Eddie Howe’s team, aiming to end a seven-decade wait for silverware, traveled to London knowing a positive result was crucial before Sunday’s showdown at Wembley. Bruno Guimaraes provided the decisive moment, finishing Harvey Barnes’ lofted pass in the second half to secure the win.
Newcastle were fortunate not to concede early, as Tino Livramento’s failed clearance allowed Tomas Soucek a golden opportunity, only for the midfielder to fire over from close range. However, the visitors responded well and created chances, with Barnes twice testing Alphonse Areola before the break.
Moments before Guimaraes’ goal, Areola had pulled off an excellent save to deny Max Kilman from scoring an own goal. But Newcastle made their pressure count when Guimaraes converted Barnes’ delivery, sealing their second win in five league games.
Newcastle show focus despite final on the horizon
With a major final just days away, there was a risk Newcastle could be distracted, but Howe fielded a strong starting lineup, emphasizing the importance of league success alongside their cup ambitions.
Their defense looked shaky in the opening stages, with Livramento’s mistake nearly proving costly and Dan Burn’s errant clearance almost resulting in a goal. But after overcoming those nervous moments, they settled into the contest.
Barnes, making his first league start since early December, was a standout performer. Not only did he provide the assist for the winner, but he also looked sharp in attack, forcing multiple saves from the West Ham goalkeeper.
It was not a vintage display from Newcastle, but they did enough to grind out a result, ensuring they head into the final just two points away from the Champions League places.
Lackluster West Ham fail to capitalize
West Ham began the match with energy, using width effectively to trouble Newcastle’s backline. However, their bright start quickly faded, and they struggled to create meaningful opportunities.
Despite calls for a penalty when Jarrod Bowen went down in the box and protests over an alleged foul in the buildup to Newcastle’s goal, the hosts failed to seriously test Nick Pope in the second half.
Sitting comfortably in mid-table, David Moyes’ side appear to be lacking motivation, with no immediate threat of relegation and little chance of pushing for European qualification. The defeat leaves them in 16th place, with little to fight for as the season progresses.
