Newcastle reignited their push for a top-four finish with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over West Ham on Monday, with Bruno Guimaraes netting the decisive goal in a controversial clash at the London Stadium.
The Brazilian midfielder struck in the second half, but West Ham were left fuming as their claims for a foul in the build-up went unheeded. The win lifted Eddie Howe’s side to sixth place in the Premier League, level on points with fifth-placed Manchester City and just two points behind Chelsea in fourth.
Securing a top-four spot would guarantee Newcastle a return to the Champions League next season, while even finishing fifth could be enough depending on English clubs’ performances in European competitions.
After losing three of their previous four league matches, Newcastle’s victory came at a crucial time, serving as a morale booster ahead of Sunday’s League Cup final against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Wembley.
West Ham manager Graham Potter was left frustrated by the officiating, particularly over the circumstances of Guimaraes’ goal.
The Hammers had a golden chance just seconds after kick-off, but Tomas Soucek blazed over from close range after Mohammed Kudus’ cross had eluded the Newcastle defence.
Despite missing key players, including the suspended Anthony Gordon and injured defenders Lewis Hall and Sven Botman, Newcastle gradually gained control. Harvey Barnes, eyeing a starting spot for the Wembley final, saw two efforts denied by West Ham keeper Alphonse Areola.
Areola produced a superb save to prevent Max Kilman’s miscued clearance from ending up in his own net, but he was finally beaten in the 63rd minute when Barnes delivered a cross into the box, allowing Guimaraes to bundle the ball home from close range.
West Ham’s frustrations grew as appeals for a penalty, following a challenge by Guimaraes on Jarrod Bowen, were waved away in the closing stages.
