By Olaitan Ibrahim
Newcastle reignited their bid to qualify for the Champions League as Bruno Guimaraes sealed a controversial 1-0 win at West Ham on Monday.
Brazil midfielder Guimaraes struck in the second half as West Ham’s claims for a foul in the build-up were ignored.
Eddie Howe’s side are up to sixth place in the Premier League, level on points with fifth-placed Manchester City and two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
A top four berth will guarantee Newcastle return to the Champions League after missing out this season.
Even finishing fifth could be enough to ensure qualification for Europe’s elite club competition depending on the results of the remaining English clubs in continental action.
After losing three of their last four matches, the Magpies’ restorative victory was perfectly timed ahead of their second League Cup final appearance in three seasons.
Newcastle, beaten by Manchester United in the League Cup showpiece in 2023, face Premier League leaders Liverpool in the final at Wembley on Sunday.
The Tyneside club are aiming to win their first major trophy since the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup and their first domestic prize since the 1955 FA Cup.
In a battle between the only English managers in the Premier League at present, it was Graham Potter’s West Ham who made the brighter start.
West Ham were lifted by the pre-match appearance of Michail Antonio on his first visit to the London Stadium since he was injured in a serious car crash in December.
The 34-year-old striker, still recovering from the broken leg he sustained in the accident, was introduced to loud cheers from the crowd before kick-off.