EDDIE Howe hailed Newcastle United's win at West Ham as one of the best of the season so far - praising his players for their "desire and heart" as the Magpies climbed to sixth in the Premier League.
Bruno Guimaraes scored the only goal as Newcastle prepared for Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool with a hard-fought 1-0 win at the London Stadium, which delighted the head coach.
He said: "One of our best wins of the season, not in terms of performance but desire and heart.
"All the big ingredients you need to be a successful team. You need to find a way to win when the game is tight and get over the line.
"We defended really well after the first three minutes which were a bit scary. It was a deserved win."
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Howe added: "It was a hard fought win based on really good defensive work from the team. There was a lot of heart in the performance and a lot of quality as well.
"I thought we played well in both halves and had the better chances so I'm really pleased."
Howe was obviously well aware of the excitement and anticipation ahead of Sunday's cup final but with Newcastle still very much in the mix for Champions League football next season, the head coach was desperate for a crucial victory at West Ham.
He said: "The only focus was on today and trying to win today. We know how important that was for our Premier League form. But the players will naturally have Sunday on their mind."
Howe made three changes for the game, recalling Nick Pope in goal, Bruno in midfield and giving Harvey Barnes on the nod on the left in the place of suspended Anthony Gordon. And it was Barnes who created the winner for Bruno.
Howe said: "Harvey had his moments, his assist for the goal was a top quality ball and he's capable of those decisive moments in the attacking third. I'm really pleased for him and for Bruno to get the goal."
Alexander Isak was fit enough to start after his recent injury scares, and Newcastle had a couple of other nervy moments during the game with Sandro Tonali and Nick Pope both requiring treatment at different stages. But there was positive news on the injury front after the game.
He said: "Touch wood we have a clean bill of health, let's wait and see but touch wood."
