Newcastle United succumbed to a dreadful 3-1 defeat to struggling West Ham at the London Stadium despite taking an early lead. The Magpies initially went 1-0 up after a neat pass from Bruno Guimaraes found Jacob Murphy, who hammered home following some impressive play down the right. However, West Ham levelled the score when Lucas Paqueta confidently swept home on the 35-minute mark before Sven Botman inadvertently put the ball through his own goal following a blunder from the Dutchman.
Manager Eddie Howe made some ruthless decisions during the break, pulling off Anthony Gordon, Emil Krafth and Nick Woltemade. Despite these significant changes in personnel and tactics, Newcastle faltered to defeat on a day when West Ham could hardly believe their luck. Tomas Soucek secured the 3-1 win for the home side deep into injury time. Express Sport rates and slates the Newcastle players…
Nick Pope – 6
Without Pope’s saves, this could have been a thrashing, but he still marred his performance with the Paqueta goal. A blunder at the end also allowed West Ham to score their third.
Emil Krafth – 6
Usually dependable, Krafth was off form at the London Stadium. He struggled against Summerville and paid the price immediately at half-time.
Malick Thiaw – 6
One of the standout performers on the day.
Sven Botman – 4
A noticeable drop in performance from recent games. His own goal was a shocker, and he didn’t adapt well to the back three reshuffle. This was quite concerning, to be honest.
Dan Burn – 5
Stepped out of position as Wan-Bissaka had a free run for the second goal. Battled hard on a tough afternoon.
Joelinton – 4
An anonymous and unusual display. Somehow managed to avoid the hook.
Bruno Guimaraes – 5
Started well with the assist, but this was a tired performance and perhaps a game too many.
Sandro Tonali – 6
Tried to bring some composure but too few were on the same page as the Italian. Ended the game at right-back.
Anthony Gordon – 6
Struggled for large parts of the first half and Howe got ruthless when taking him off after just one effort at goal in slugglish first half.
Jacob Murphy – 5
Faded after the early opening goal as Newcastle sank without a trace after the break. Did not have the answers.
Nick Woltemade – 6
Some neat touches early on, but failure to defend from the front may have cost him dear with half-time hooking.
Subs
Jacob Ramsey (for Gordon 46) – 5
No impact.
Fabian Schar (for Krafth 46) – 6
Tried to steady a sinking ship.
William Osula (for Woltemade 46) – 4
No impact.
Harvey Barnes (for Botman 65) – 4
No impact.