Newcastle United have managed to get back to winning ways just before the Carabao Cup final after beating West Ham 1-0.
With the Carabao Cup final coming up in less than a week’s time, Newcastle United really needed to get back into winning ways ahead of facing imperious Premier League leaders Liverpool.
They managed to earn that against West Ham, even if it was a dour game and far from a vintage performance.
Other than Thomas Soucek blazing over in the first 40 seconds and Harvey Barnes going close with a header, a slog of a first half went by largely without incident.
The second half continued in a similar fashion until Bruno Guimaraes found the breakthrough just after the hour.
Newcastle were rarely threatened as they picked up the three points but will still need to be a lot sharper if they are to win at Wembley.
Here’s how the players rated.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Nick Pope – 7
Some wayward kicking as per but got his full body behind shots to make solid saves, commanded his box at set pieces and was especially alert to a dangerous ball he had to head clear late on. Wasn’t forced into action too often but a morale-boosting display.
Kieran Trippier – 7
A promising performance ahead of the cup final given Lewis Hall is out. Kieran Trippier was very dependable on the right side and did some excellent defending against the rapid Mohammad Kudus, especially to get back and stop from getting through on goal.
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Fabian Schar – 6
Largely kept West Ham’s forwards quiet but got caught out on a couple of occasions with some poor positioning.
Dan Burn – 7
One miss-timed challenge was nearly costly but otherwise marshalled the back-line well. Booked for a cynical foul.
Tino Livramento – 5
Though Trippier isn’t a bad replacement for Hall, having to play Tino Livramento on the left instead of him is a massive downgrade as the right-back just can’t be as creative on his unnatural side.
Where Hall can constantly bomb down the flank, deliver crosses and link-up with Alexander Isak, Livramento is limited as he has to come inside when on the ball.
Additionally, both of West Ham’s best chances came from his mistakes after he miss-hit a clearance and lost possession in a dangerous area.
Bruno Guimaraes – 7
Looked more like his usual self with some positive bursts into the box and incisive forward passes. Still a little wayward with his passing at times but much better. Broke the deadlock by poking into the net to give Newcastle a much-needed win and confidence boost.
Sandro Tonali – 8
Exactly what was needed in an attritional slog of a match and he ensured Newcastle controlled the midfield and rarely came under serious threat. Sublime defensively as he won the vast majority of his duels but a bit sloppy on the ball at times.
Joelinton – 6
Loose passing but some strong runs and combative in the middle.
Jacob Murphy – 5
Rarely got on the ball and didn’t use it effectively on the few times he did.
Alexander Isak – 5
Tried to make things happen but found himself snuffed out by West Ham’s low block and unable to do much. A lack of service and players to link-up with didn’t help. Put a decent chance over the bar but the ball was behind him.
At least he seemingly made it through the match unscathed and got some minutes under his belt before the final.
Harvey Barnes – 7.5
Newcastle’s most dangerous player so it was no surprise when it was his cross that Guimaraes turned in. Buzzed about in dangerous positions with some good movement and came close to scoring himself with a header.
A performance that bodes well ahead of Wembley.
Substitutes
Joe Willock – 6
Busy.
Callum Wilson – 6
Ran hard.
Sean Longstaff – 5
Lost the ball in a dangerous position.