Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has expressed his elation after his team's hard-fought 1-0 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium, declaring it "one of the best wins of the season." This crucial win comes just days before their Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, with Howe nervously hoping for the continued fitness of his key players.

The Magpies secured the win thanks to a stellar performance from Bruno Guimarães, who found the back of the net. Howe, reflecting on the match, noted, "It wasn’t our best performance, but the desire and heart our players showed were phenomenal. Winning in tough conditions underlines the core attributes necessary for any successful team."

Despite a shaky start in which Newcastle appeared vulnerable, the team settled well and showcased strong defensive skills to maintain the lead. Howe praised his players, noting, "We defended excellently after those first few minutes and really earned the victory. Our performance displayed a lot of courage and quality."

As Newcastle gears up for the impactful clash against Liverpool on Sunday, Howe acknowledges the anticipation building among his squad and the fans alike. However, he remained focused on the victory against West Ham, which elevated Newcastle to sixth place in the Premier League, putting them in a strong position for Champions League qualifications for the upcoming season.

The match saw Nick Pope returning to goal while Harvey Barnes, filling in for the suspended Anthony Gordon, received commendation for his assist to Guimarães. Howe expressed his confidence in Barnes, stating, "He delivered a brilliant assist and has the potential to make impactful plays in the attacking third. I’m truly happy for him and Bruno."

Alexander Isak also returned to the starting lineup following a brief injury period, but there were concerns as both Sandro Tonali and Nick Pope received treatment during the game. Howe concluded, "Let’s remain optimistic for a clean bill of health leading into the final; touch wood."

As the excitement mounts for the Carabao Cup final, Newcastle's victory over West Ham has not just bolstered their confidence but has set the stage for what could be a memorable encounter against one of their most storied rivals. Will Newcastle continue their run of good form, or will Liverpool come out on top? One thing is for sure – this cup final promises high stakes and thrilling football!