London With a crucial victory over West Ham United, Newcastle United increased their chances of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League by scoring the lone goal via Bruno Guimaraes.

Shortly after the hour, Eddie Howe’s team prepared for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool by having their captain slide in to turn home a cross from Harvey Barnes at the London Stadium.

Guimaraes volleyed past Alphonse Areola, who had just made a stunning save to save a remarkable Max Kilman own goal, after latching onto Harvey Barnes’ cross in the 63rd minute.

After then, Eddie Howe’s team was in complete control, winning only their second of five Premier League games.

Graham Potter’s team remains in 16th position, while Newcastle rises to sixth place, two points behind Chelsea in fourth place.

It was a well-earned Premier League win for Newcastle, who, despite not playing at their best, held off Graham Potter’s rising squad with a tough and focused performance in the capital, increasing their chances of qualifying for Europe.

Notably, following a 2-0 defeat to West Ham in March 2019 under Rafael Benitez, Newcastle has now won all six of their Premier League games against the West Ham team (W4 D2).

“It was one of our finest victories of the season, not because of our performance but because of our passion and determination. All the essential components for a successful team. When the game is close, you must win and figure out a method to cross the finish line. After the victory, Howe said, “After the first three minutes, we defended really well.”

Guimaraes, the matchwinner, was equally thrilled with the performance and outcome at the London Stadium.

“Very impressive victory; I believe we want to compete for the Champions League once again. We had a significant victory. Maintaining the clean sheet and regaining confidence before to the final is beneficial. “Great victory and pleased with the team’s performance,” the Premier League website cited Guimaraes.

“We demonstrate the team’s character when we play that way. Any squad in the world may be defeated by us. All we need to do is be reliable. We maintain the clean sheet, and although we could score more goals, tonight’s three points are what matter most,” he said.