Late rally by Hammers but they lose 3-2 at home to Newcastle

West Ham United 2 vs Newcastle United 3

Slow-to-start West Ham slumped to a 3-2 defeat against Newcastle at the London Stadium on Saturday after a first half masterclass from the Toon.

Newcastle took the lead on the 15th minute through Ciaran Clark. Miguel Almiron broke away with blistering pace and Issa Dip had no choice but to bring the Paraguayan down on the outside of the box. JonJo Shelvey’s free kick found Joelington who was able to head into Clark who finished with a precise headed effort.

There was further misery for West Ham on the 21st minute when Federico Fernandez punished Roberto for coming out for early for a cross. The Argentine headed comfortably into the net to add to West Ham’s frustrations.

West Ham were subjected to further misery when JonJo Shelvey scored a sublime freekick from outside the box, Roberto just failing to reach it.

West Ham found a consolation goal through Fabian Balbuena on the 73rd mite, the centre back tabbed in at close range from a corner after a spell of West Ham pressure.

Felipe Anderson found Robert Snodgrass on the 89th minute and the Scotsman who has been in great form for the Hammers since his return to the side, thundered a shot past Dubravka to give West Ham a glimpse of hope going into stoppage time.

Newcastle had started the game the more comfortable of the sides. On the 23rd minute Allan Saint-Maximin nearly sealed a third for the Toon within the first half when he found himself one on one with Roberto but the Spaniard did well to get a leg to his attempt.

Roberto made a fantastic impact save on the 34th minute after Saint-Maximin, who had been a real problem for the Hammers in the first half, set up Almiron. Just moments later Shelvey thundered a shot at the cross bar.

On the 40th minute Sebastien Haller managed to launch an overhead kick at Dubravka but it wasn’t the kind that would make Andy Carroll, returning to the London Stadium for the first time since his switch to Newcastle, proud.

Balbuena had West Ham’s best chance of the half in the 45th minute when he managed to latch on to a Robert Snodgrass corner but Dubrvaka did well to tip it over the crossbar.

Saint-Maximin nearly got his rewards for his impressive first half but another impressive save from Roberto was enough to keep the score line 2-0.

It was a frustrating half of football for the Hammers who often wasteful and looked nervous in possession of the ball. Felipe Anderson in particular had a difficult half and the Hammers didn’t look creative going forward, rather preferring to pass back much to the displeasure of the home fans.

West Ham aimed to change their fortunes in the second half with a double substitution, taking off both Andriy Yarmolenko and Mark Noble replacing them with Manuel Lanzini and Albian Ajeti.

Newcastle started the half as they meant to go on with DeAndre Yedlin firing home from close range but after a VAR check it was determined the linesman had made the right call and it was ruled out.

West Ham only really found their feet in the game from the 70th minute onwards, the Hammers had struggled against the Toon who constantly utilised their pace to catch West Ham out of position.

Andy Carroll replaced Joelington on the 88th minute and received a round of ovation from both sets of fans as he made his return against his former club.

The Hammers goal on the 89th minute gave a glimpse of hope to what could have only been described as a miraculous comeback. For the first time in the match West Ham looked threatening and Newcastle shaky but it wasn’t to be the Hammers day.

West Ham named an unchanged side from those who drew 1-1 with Sheffield United last Saturday.

It was a frustrating afternoon for West Ham who haven’t logged three points since their impressive home victory against Man Utd back in September. The defeat means the Hammers are just three points clear of the relegation zone.

West Ham will next be in action against Burnley at Turf Moor next Saturday before a difficult lineup of fixtures including the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal.

West Ham United: Roberto, A. Cresswell, F. Balbuena, P. Zabaleta (OFF), A. Yarmolenko (OFF), F. Anderson, R. Snodgrass, M. Noble (OFF), S. Haller, I. Diop, D. Rice

Subs Used: A. Ajeti, M. Lanzini, R. Fredricks

Newcastle United: M. Dubravka, C. Clark, J. Lascelles, J. Shelvey, Joelington (OFF), A. Saint-Maximin (OFF), I. Hayden, J. Willems (OFF), F. Fernandez, D. Yedlin, M. Almiron

Subs Used: C. Atsu, P. Dummett, A. Carroll