What Newcastle United away end did at full-time as 'dogs' send message to Liverpool

Bruno Guimaraes' mum needed no reminding that the Newcastle United captain won't be home for tea on Sunday, of course. However, it was Bruno who was leading the away end's rendition of 'Tell me ma, me ma!' at full-time after firing the Magpies to a hard-fought win against West Ham at the London Stadium.

You suspect Bruno could have stayed out there a while longer. As his team-mates turned to head back to the dressing room, the Brazil international let out a roar and punched the air one last time to a wall of noise from the travelling support.

It felt like an important night. Not only in the context of the race for the Champions League, but, also in generating some much-needed momentum before this weekend's Wembley showdown following three defeats in four games.

Newcastle have been involved in more eye-catching Monday Night Football clashes over the years - and that's putting it mildly - but the significance of this 1-0 victory cannot be overstated. You could tell as much after even the usually measured Eddie Howe clenched his fists at full-time.

“We needed the players to empty the tank, to give everything to win this game and show that we are still competitive and to give ourselves belief," the Newcastle boss admitted.

Especially after the results at the weekend. Newcastle found themselves in ninth place before a ball had even been kicked; by the time the final whistle went, the black-and-whites had moved level on points with champions Manchester City.

It was Newcastle's first victory on the road in the Premier League since January and the Magpies' first clean sheet in the Premier League in two months. For context, Howe's team had leaked 16 goals in their previous six top-flight fixtures.

Newcastle may not have been at their absolute best against West Ham but, crucially, the visitors dug in - making 18 more clearances than the hosts - and they never looked like conceding a late equaliser. Newcastle are certainly going to have to show that gritty side of their game, and a whole lot more, against Liverpool on Sunday.

Bruno Guimaraes recognised that as the match-winner hailed his side for 'defending like their lives depended on it' and for 'running like dogs'. "We showed the character of the team," he told Sky Sports. "At our best, we can beat every team in the world."

Bruno's comments were timely, of course. Newcastle will have to be at their best to end a 70-year wait to win a major domestic trophy at Wembley, but there is a reason why the midfielder 'believes' - even if the black-and-whites will be without some big-name players. Why? In Bruno's own words, Newcastle don't have 'stars'; Howe's side are instead at their best when they are 'working hard as a team'.

Such togetherness has helped Newcastle reach two Carabao Cup finals in three seasons and this group will certainly need to stick together against Liverpool - and to make a strong start at Wembley.

Newcastle found themselves 2-0 down inside 39 minutes in their last final a couple of years ago and the visitors could have easily fallen behind in the opening stages against West Ham on Monday night. The game had not long kicked off when a clipped ball down the left channel picked out Mohammed Kudus and the tricky forward wriggled away from Fabian Schar and swung the ball into the box. Tino Livramento kicked the air as the defender attempted to clear and the ball fell to Tomas Soucek, who blazed over.

It was a mighty let-off for Newcastle, but history quickly repeated itself on the opposite flank. This time, Jarrod Bowen skipped away from Joelinton and got a cross away. It was Dan Burn's turn to swing a leg and miss, and the ball bounced off Edson Alvarez and over the bar.

Shaky Newcastle soon settled, though. There were 19 minutes on the clock when Bruno threaded the ball through to Livramento and the defender's cross reached Kieran Trippier on the edge of the area. Trippier drilled the ball back across the face of goal and Harvey Barnes got a touch in an attempt to divert it into the net - only for Alphonse Areola to get down and palm it away.

Areola had to be alert just a few minutes later to parry a header from Barnes after Trippier's corner was knocked back across by Burn at the back post. It was rather telling that was as close as Newcastle came to breaking the deadlock in an uneventful first half.

However, the game was there for the taking for Newcastle and Areola scrambled to claw the ball away after Max Kilman sliced a clearance. Newcastle would finally take the lead with their next attack midway through the second half.

Sandro Tonali picked out Barnes on the left with a clever pass and the forward cut inside on to his favoured right foot. Although Jean-Clair Todibo blocked Barnes' initial effort, the ball came straight back to the 27-year-old on the edge of the area. Barnes took a touch and scooped the ball towards the back post and there was Bruno to connect on the volley to put Newcastle ahead right in front of the bouncing away end.

It proved the difference. Newcastle will hope there is another big win in the capital to come before the week is out.