It wasn’t exactly pretty but Newcastle United picked up a much-needed three points against West Ham.
Bruno Guimaraes scored the only goal of the game at the London Stadium to give Newcastle United a 1-0 win over West Ham.
Newcastle started the day in ninth in the Premier League table, but a big win in the capital has lifted the Magpies up to sixth – level on points with the reigning champions Manchester City in fifth.
It means Newcastle can also take plenty of confidence from the win into Sunday’s trip to Wembley to face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
Guimaraes starred for Newcastle against West Ham and scored the all-important goal. Howe will need him to step up again on Sunday but he will also hope for a similar performance from Sandro Tonali.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Sandro Tonali was Newcastle’s unsung hero vs West Ham
Guimaraes will deservedly earn the plaudits for his match-winning performance, but his midfield partner completely dominated the Hammers on Monday evening.
Central midfield is Newcastle’s strongest position according to Howe, and he went strong with his team selection against West Ham by playing Tonali and Guimaraes alongside Joelinton – the same trio will expect to start at Wembley.
Tonali’s match stats from the win over West Ham show he was near flawless in London:
Minutes played 90
Touches 58
Passes completed 82% (37/45)
Key passes 1
Duels won 90% (9/10)
Dribbles completed 100% (3/10)
Crosses completed 100% (1/1)
Sandro Tonali match stats for Newcastle United 1-0 West Ham.
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Tonali dominated in midfield, especially defensively with nine duels won and four tackles completed.
As usual, he was also composed on the ball, completing 37 passes while only losing possession nine times. More of the same on Sunday, Sandro.
Eddie Howe faces tough cup final decisions
With Anthony Gordon suspended and Lewis Hall injured, there are a few selection headaches Howe will have before Sunday’s final.
Harvey Barnes started against West Ham and picked up an assist for Guimaraes’ goal – he will hope to keep his spot on the left. Tino Livramento filled in for Hall but struggled going forward. Whoever Howe picks to play at left-back will have the daunting task of keeping Mohamed Salah quiet.
Then there is the goalkeeper dilemma. Newcastle fans chanted for Martin Dubravka, but Nick Pope kept an important clean sheet against West Ham.
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As for the midfield, Joelinton’s return from injury has made it a fairly straightforward decision.
Tonali and Guimaraes were superb against the Hammers and Joelinton provides that extra layer of physicality and energy.