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West Ham picked up a massive three points on the road after a goals from Tomáš Souček and Aaron Wan-Bissaka was enough to beat Newcastle United.
West Ham were in troubling form before the international break, where a fantastic 2-1 victory against Manchester United were followed by a shambolic 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest and a disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Everton.
Alternatively, Newcastle had won their previous 3 games against Chelsea, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, entering the international break in great form.
Newcastle’s confidence was clear from minute one, where Eddie Howe’s side dominated possession early. Their early dominance was seemingly rewarded in the opening moments, where Alexander Isak ran in behind Jean-Clair Todibo to make it 1-0. However, the linesman’s flag was quickly raised and a swift VAR review agreed with him.
In almost an instance, West Ham’s fortunes would change quickly when an out-swinging Emerson corner would find Tomáš Souček unmarked in front of goal. His bullet header would nestle comfortably in the bottom right hand corner: 1-0 West Ham.
The Czech’s header was the first goal West Ham scored from a corner this season, and the first corner Newcastle had conceded so far this season.
It was a low moment for Julen Lopetegui in the 21st minute, where his booking for dissent means he won’t be on the touchline for his side’s game against Arsenal next Saturday night.
There was an odd moment in the 31st minute, where after what looked like a blatant foul on Michail Antonio the Jamaican striker showed the linesman his ripped top, and had to have it replaced.
Once West Ham’s front man replaced his shirt, Newcastle would resume the action on top, where a low and powerful shot from Lewis Hall troubled Łukasz Fabiański in the 34th minute, before eventually steering wide of the post for a goal kick.
Just two minutes later, a failed clearance from Jean-Clair Todibo would present Antony Gordon with a chance from close range, but Fabiański was equal to his effort.
The Magpies would finish the half strong, where a wonderful pass over the top from Bruno Guimarães would be expertly brought down by Alexander Isak, but the Swede would fail to maintain his composure and fire his shot wide. HT: 1-0 West Ham.
Newcastle brought Harvey Barnes into the match at half time, as Antony Gordon moved to the right hand side and Joelinton moved down into midfield, after finding minimal joy on the left in the first half.
That was thanks to Aaron-Wan Bissaka, who broke through on goal from right back in the 54th minute and slammed home West Ham’s second to double their advantage. It’s his first goal since scoring for Man United in their 9-0 thumping of Southampton in February 2021. 2-0 West Ham.
Despite Jean-Clair Todibo exiting the game with an injury in the 57th minute (being replaced by Dinos Mavropanos), West Ham would continue to dominate the early stages of the second half, where chances for Bowen and Summerville would pin Newcastle against the wall.
More reinforcements would be needed for Newcastle in the 68th minute, where Jacob Murphy and Callum Wilson would replace Antony Gordon and Joelinton, as Eddie Howe opted to use a 4-4-2 to search for the equaliser.
There were strong claims for a penalty in the 72nd minute, where substitute Dinos Mavropanos seemed to bring down Callum Wilson to prevent him from heading home from inside the 6 yard box, but referee Craig Pawson quickly dismissed these claims, as did VAR.
West Ham would make more changes in the 75th minute, where Emerson and Michail Antonio would leave the pitch for Vladimír Coufal and Danny Ings.
More changes ensued in the 82nd minute, where Carlos Soler- who had impressed in midfield all game- and Summerville being replaced by Guido Rodriguez and Andy Irving. Newcastle also made their final sub, with Kieran Trippier replacing Bruno Guimarães, forcing Lewis Hall into midfield for the final minutes of the game.
After this, West Ham would see the game out from there, with the travelling West Ham fans bringing out the “Ole!” chants in the 88th minute while the home support began to slowly filter out.
A final punt of the ball from Łukasz Fabiański would put an end to Newcastle’s misery, as West Ham, despite remaining in 14th, move within 4 points of Tottenham in 6th. Newcastle slip to 10th following the defeat.
West Ham host Arsenal next Saturday evening, while Newcastle travel to a struggling Crystal Palace side on Saturday afternoon.
