Guimaraes strikes as Newcastle gain momentum before Wembley clash

Newcastle secured a vital victory over West Ham, climbing to sixth in the Premier League as they prepared for the Carabao Cup final.

Eddie Howe’s side, aiming to end a 70-year trophy drought, will take on league leaders Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday. Determined to carry momentum into the final, Newcastle delivered the result they needed, with Bruno Guimaraes’ second-half goal proving decisive.

The breakthrough came moments after West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola made a superb stop to deny an own goal by Max Kilman. Guimaraes capitalized on the ensuing play, converting Harvey Barnes’ lofted pass to secure the win.

Despite recent struggles with injuries and suspensions, the victory provided a timely boost for the Magpies, who had won just once in their previous four matches. However, they nearly fell behind within the first minute when Tino Livramento’s missed clearance gifted Tomas Soucek a golden chance, but the midfielder fired over from close range.

Newcastle gained control and looked the more dangerous side before halftime. Barnes, making his first league start since December, twice tested Areola, first with a close-range attempt from Kieran Trippier’s cross and then with a well-placed header, both of which were well saved.

West Ham, after a promising start, struggled to create clear-cut chances against Nick Pope’s goal. The Hammers appealed for a penalty in the second half when Jarrod Bowen went down under a challenge, while they also protested a possible foul on Kilman in the buildup to Newcastle’s winner.

Despite their frustrations, West Ham failed to produce enough attacking threat to salvage a point, leaving them in 16th place in the table.