Indeed, Newcastle United are preparing for the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, and have certainly been dealt some problems along the way
Still, Newcastle beat West Ham 1-0 on Monday night to move into sixth in the Premier League, raising fresh hope about qualification for the Champions League.
Eddie Howe’s side now sit sixth in the Premier League table, level on points with Manchester City in the fifth. Given the Premier League could be afforded five spots for Champions League qualification this season, it was a vital victory.
Bruno Guimaraes scored the only goal of the game during an otherwise uneventful clash. Howe’s side probably shaded it but it was far from a vintage performance.
Certainly, pundit Michael Owen was impressed.
Michael Owen impressed as Newcastle United’s plan comes off before Carabao Cup final
It certainly wasn’t a masterclass from Newcastle but they did what they needed to. Claiming a win away is never easy, particularly without the likes of Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall.
Howe’s side put in a professional performance, getting through the game without any more drama. Given all that happened after the Brighton defeat, a completely forgettable victory is just what the doctor ordered.
Having appeared to come through it without any injuries too, it was a pretty successful night in east London.
Former Newcastle striker Owen told the Premier League’s official website: “It was a solid Newcastle performance – to go away and win the game in the Premier League is not easy.
“That puts them into a really good stalking position in the Premier League, up to sixth, and a clean bill of health – into the cup final with a win. The plan has worked.”
What Eddie Howe did before the Carabao Cup final paid off for Newcastle United
Howe spent extra time on the training pitch after Newcastle’s loss to Brighton, which certainly paid off on Monday night.
Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento formed a new-look partnership on the left, which surely looks the plan ahead of Sunday’s showdown.
While the two weren’t perfect, Barnes provided the assist for Guimaraes to score. Livramento did well up against Jarrod Bowen too, albeit the fact he’s not a natural left-footer was rather obvious in Newcastle’s attacking play.
Sunday, of course, will be a lot harder. Still, Newcastle did what they needed to in their preparation at least…
