There were talks among Newcastle fans and journalists for days before tonight’s match with West Ham. The Magpies are in trouble due to injuries and suspensions and while this game has a big impact to their Champions League battle, the Sunday’s Carabao Cup final with Liverpool is even bigger game. Their 70 years long wait for the proper trophy might end on Sunday, even thou Newcastle are heavy underdogs against high-flying Liverpool so it was a question if Eddie Howe would risk players like Alexander Isak or not quite fit Kieran Trippier. But the Magpies coach risked it, laid out his strongest 11 in London and got a deserved win: West Ham – Newcastle 0-1.Not only did the Magpies won and are just two points from the fourth placed Chelsea, but none of the players got injured and will be available for Sunday’s game against Liverpool. The only goal of the game was scored by captain Bruno Guimaraes, after a pass from Harvey Barnes. Newcastle’s forward scored six goals in his nine matches against West Ham but failed to shake the net tonight, even thou he had excellent chances. However, he assisted to the Brazilian in the 64th minute for the winner. Totally deserved since the home team showed apsolutely nothing during the whole game.Disaster for Newcastle: After Gordon, Hall is also out against LiverpoolThe first half was not so interesting. In fact it was just the third Newcastle game this season that has been goalless at half time in the Premier League. But the Magpies had their chances in the first 45 minutes and both were wasted by Harvey Barnes. Former Leicester winger played instead of suspended Anthony Gordon had opportunities in the 18th, 20th and 25th minute. He was off target after the first chance, but West Ham keeper was brilliant in the next two. He saved Barnes’ shot from close range before saving another five minutes later. The only chance for the home team happened in the 43rd minute when Kudus picked up a long ball and had only Trippier to beat but failed to even take a shot.##EDITORS_CHOICE##Alphonse Areola continued to dominate with his saves in the second half as well, and he produced a beauty when the prevented an own goal, after a clumsy Max Kilman shot. He stretched out and clawed the ball away with his fingertips. It fell to Alexander Isak, but it was behind him, and he flicked it over the crossbar with his heel. However, that didn’t save West Ham. It was the beginning of a relentless Newcastle offensive, culminating in a goal. Newcastle kept pushing, staying persistent—and they were rewarded for it. Harvey Barnes tried once—didn’t work. Tried again—this time, it did! His cross found its way into the box, Bruno Guimaraes stretched out and got a slight touch with his boot. This time, Alphonse Areola was helpless. There was nothing he could do. West Ham couldn’t do much either. They failed to create a big chance until the final whistle. The substitutions brought no spark, and Eddie Howe expertly shut down the game at the Olympic Stadium.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 28SaturdayNott. Forest – Man. City 1-0 (0-0)/Hudson-Odoi 83/Brighton – Fulham 2-1 (1-1)/Van Hecke 41, Pedro 90+8 – Jimenez 35/Crystal Palace – Ipswich 1-0 (0-0)/Sarr 82/Liverpool – Southampton 3-1 (0-1)/Nunez 51, Salah 54 pen, 88 pen – Smallbone 45+1/Brentford – Aston Villa 0-1 (0-0)/Watkins 49/Wolverhampton – Everton 1-1 (1-1)/Munetsi 40 – Harrison 33/SundayChelsea – Leicester 1-0 (0-0)/Cucurella 60/Tottenham – Bournemouth (0-1)/Sarr 67,Son 84(p) – Tavernier 42, Evanilson 65/Man.Utd. – Arsenal 1-1 (1-0)/Fernandes 45+2 -Rice 74/MondayWest Ham – Newcastle 0-1(0-0)/Bruno Guimaraes 64/
