Newcastle United held at home by West Ham

Newcastle United were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham United in the Premier League at St James’ Park on Saturday evening.

The hosts started the game in dramatic fashion when Joe Willock had the ball in the back of the net after just 37 seconds.

Early VAR intervention

VAR intervened and chalked it off after replays suggested that Miguel Almiron had failed to keep the ball in play and West ham were awarded a goal kick.

Two minutes later, however, the Magpies took the lead after the hosts won the ball back in the middle of the park.

Sean Longstaff, who is been in superb form over the past few weeks released Callum Wilson, and the English international opened his body to slot home beyond Lukasz Fabianski.

West Ham however settled into the game after the shaky start. David Moyes’ side didn’t let their heads drop as the midfield strung around some neat passes to garner possession in the middle of the park.

Paqueta scores

As the Hammers searched for an equalizer, it was Lucas Paqueta who restored parity in the 32^nd minute.

The Brazilian midfielder got on the end of Declan Rice’s corner and after taking a touch slotted home past Nick Pope. This was the first goal that Newcastle conceded in seven league games.

The Hammers were the better of the two sides going into half time and the same trend continued well into the second half as both sides went in search of the go-ahead goal.

Eddie Howe threw in new signing Anthony Gordon in the 69^th minute as the former Everton winger was welcomed with a massive roar by the vociferous home faithful. Neither side, however, could conjure any clear-cut chances as the game ended in a draw.

The result means Newcastle have drawn ten games in the league this season and currently sit fourth with 40 points from 21 games. West Ham meanwhile are in 16^th place, two points above the relegation zone with 19 points.  

Moyes commenting on the result later said,

“We deserve a lot of credit for coming here and putting on such a good performance. We played very well in the first half, if you exclude the first minute. we got away with the first one and we gave them a goal 30 seconds later.”

“We responded absolutely fantastic; we played brilliantly well in the first half. I was really pleased with how the players played, we defended well, it’s only a point, but it was a difficult away game and keeps a little run going. it wasn’t the worst result, if we play as well as we played today next week we’ll be pleased.”

Photo credit: IMAGO / PA Images