'Of course': Bruno Guimaraes admits he defied the gaffer's orders last night in win against West Ham

Newcastle United got the job done against West Ham United in London on Monday night live in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

It certainly wasn't a game worthy of being moved to a Monday night and creating the travel stress for the Newcastle fans who have to find a way to travel back to the north late at night, or take a day off work and fork out for an overnight stay.

The game certainly wasn't worthy of being broadcast live by Sky. There was one goal, a few decent saves by Alphonse Areola, including one world class save from a certain own goal, but not a lot else to get fans off their seats.

Newcastle's lack of intensity was almost a given, however, with the Carabao Cup final coming up on Sunday. The players, whether consciously or not, will have had an eye on that game and will have been making sure they were fit enough to feature.

Bruno Guimaraes had one eye on Sunday's final last night

It is something that Eddie Howe has tried to drill out of his players, saying “If [having one eye on the final] is the case, we’re in trouble”, but it's human nature, and even Bruno Guimaraes admitted to Sky Sports last night that he had the final on his mind (h/t Geordie Boot Boys and our defector, Liam Brusby).

“It's been a little bit (of a distraction) to be honest with you.

“Of course we think about the final, it’s massive for the club’s history. We want to be part of it and make that history.

“We are going to play against one of the best teams in the world but I have confidence in us and I’m hopeful we can go to Wembley and lift the trophy.”

Newcastle can do it on Sunday!

We have to love Bruno's confidence, although we'd definitely be worried if he said anything other than he expects to win.

Last night did seem to instil a bit of confidence which will hopefully grow as the week goes on. We've just got to remember that Plymouth Argyle took them out of the FA Cup and they have the Premier League and Champions League as distractions, too.

Neutral ground against Liverpool should remove the hoodoo as well, hopefully. Plus, football is a funny old game, anything can happen.

It's time to start adding a spoonful of 'hopium' into your morning coffee and let's build up the belief!