Guimarães delivers as Newcastle edge past a sluggish West Ham to strengthen their top-four push

Newcastle United took another step towards the Champions League with a clinical 1-0 victory over a sluggish West Ham side at the London Stadium. Bruno Guimarães was the difference, his close-range finish securing a crucial three points for Eddie Howe’s men.

With the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool looming, Newcastle needed a response after their FA Cup exit. Howe’s side delivered, keeping a rare clean sheet and avoiding further injuries ahead of Wembley. The win lifts them just two points off fourth place, reigniting their top-four ambitions.

West Ham, meanwhile, looked toothless in attack, struggling under Graham Potter’s rigid system. The home crowd briefly lifted the atmosphere as Michail Antonio made an emotional pre-match appearance, marking his return three months after a horrific car crash. However, the team’s performance failed to match the sentiment.

The Hammers started brightly, with Mohammed Kudus causing early problems. Inside the first minute, he forced Fabian Schär into a mistake, but Tomas Soucek squandered the chance. Jarrod Bowen also looked lively, nearly forcing an own goal from Dan Burn, yet West Ham’s momentum quickly faded.

Newcastle took control, probing patiently. Harvey Barnes, deputising for the suspended Anthony Gordon, tested Alphonse Areola with a flicked effort from Kieran Trippier’s shot. West Ham sat deep, absorbing pressure, but lacked creativity in transition. Kudus, struggling for form, hesitated when clean through, allowing Trippier to make a vital challenge.

Midfield control was crucial, with Guimarães and Sandro Tonali dictating the tempo. However, Newcastle’s attack lacked urgency, which allowed West Ham’s solid defensive setup to limit space. Potter’s focus on possession has made West Ham more organized but has dulled their attacking edge. Kudus and Bowen tried to spark creativity, but their efforts lacked conviction. The top-four race of Newcastle remains on track despite the attacking struggles.

Areola kept the hosts in the game, denying Barnes and reacting sharply to prevent an own goal from Max Kilman. But Newcastle’s persistence paid off. Barnes delivered a teasing cross to the far post, where Guimarães ghosted behind Ollie Scarles to poke home. The goal had an element of controversy, as Alexander Isak appeared to push Kilman in the build-up.

Potter was furious. “It’s clear,” he said. “It’s two hands on the back.” His protests fell on deaf ears, and his attempt to spark a late resurgence with Lucas Paquetá, Carlos Soler, and Evan Ferguson made little impact.

West Ham mustered a late penalty shout when Bowen tangled with Guimarães, but the referee waved play on. Newcastle saw out the game comfortably, leaving Potter’s side with just two wins from their last five home matches.

For Newcastle, this was a disciplined, workmanlike performance—exactly what Howe demanded. Guimarães, often criticised in recent weeks, stepped up when it mattered. “Bruno’s been brilliant for us,” Howe said. “He stands up in the big moments.”

The real challenge lies ahead: facing Mohamed Salah and Liverpool at Wembley. But for now, the top-four race of Newcastle is well and truly alive.