Bruno Guimarães saves Newcastle in a must-win game that changes everything | OneFootball

Bruno Guimarães came at the right moment, and Newcastle headed back to the north-east with a win that could be a season-changer. The 1-0 victory at West Ham not only wrapped up three precious points, it also sent the Magpies soaring into sixth place in the Premier League, level on 47 points with Manchester City. The home team, meanwhile, remain stuck near the bottom of the table, in 16th place and nervously looking over their shoulders.

It was not a flawless performance, but one that demonstrated Newcastle can be efficient, knowing when to take hold of the game and when to strike. And ultimately, that is all they needed.

Game-saving saves and spurned chances

West Ham began on the front foot. With Bowen and Kudus taking it to Newcastle down the flanks, the Hammers were quick to get at Newcastle's backline. Sou\rek had a very early chance in the first minute in the box but was not able to make the most of it. Newcastle dominated the ball more but took a bit to find its rhythm. Trippier and Barnes were the most dangerous, creating havoc down the left and forcing Areola into action.

Both teams had their opportunities but were let down by their finishing. Areola pulled off one of the saves of the round to prevent Kilman from scoring an own goal. At the other end, Pope had a quieter night but still had to shift quick to block a dangerous effort from Bowen.

The turning point and Bruno Guimarães' ice-cold finish

The rhythm changed after the break. Newcastle came back more organized, closing the gaps West Ham had been exploiting in the first half. And patience was rewarded. In the 63rd minute, Barnes delivered a cross from the left, and Bruno Guimarães was in the right place at the right time, volleying it past Areola with no possibility of saving. West Ham players protested, claiming Isak had fouled Kilman in the buildup, but the referee was not interested.

Newcastle grew in confidence after the goal and controlled the game cleverly. West Ham threw on reinforcements in the hope of changing the course of events, but nothing clicked. Paquetá was brought on to try to add creativity, Soler and Ferguson were introduced to fight for a comeback, but the finishing touch was lacking.

Close battle and Newcastle set for crucial fights

With this win, Newcastle stays locked in the top-five chase, level on points with Manchester City and keeping its Champions League hopes alive. Eddie Howe’s team has had its ups and downs lately, but this victory shows they’re still very much in the fight. The next week will be pivotal, with the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool looming.

West Ham, however, have reason to worry. Stranded on 33 points, Graham Potter's side can't seem to pull clear of the lower reaches of the table and is starting to feel the strain of the relegation battle. There is still breathing space, but if they keep making the same mistakes, trouble will be knocking on their door.