West Ham secured the three points against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Monday with a 2-0 victory.
Tomas Soucek opened the scoring early on for the visitors with a well-timed header and Aaron Wan-Bissaka doubled the lead for Julen Lopetegui’s side.
Despite creating half decent chances, the Magpies never really appeared to mount a comeback on 25 November.
Here are the player ratings for this one:
Lukasz Fabianski – 7
Showed great anticipation whenever called upon, not just to make saves but also while reading crosses. He was authoritative while coming out to claim the ball and never looked shaky between the sticks. If it was an audition to regain the number one spot, he’s certainly passed it.Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 9
Was an unlikely goal scorer after an impressive first half both in terms of his defending and positioning. For the goal too, he made an important darting run and Jarrod Bowen found him with a pass but it was a stunning finish from the right-back. With Jean-Clair Todibo going off and Vladimir Coufal coming on later, there was plenty of adjustment to do and he did it seamlessly which was extremely pleasing to watch for the Hammers fans.Jean-Clair Todibo – 4
Went off with an injury but even before that, looked shaky in defence for the Hammers. He almost gave the ball away inside his own box and that surely would’ve handed a goal to the hosts. According to Sofascore, he also made an error leading to a shot which isn’t ideal.
Max Kilman – 8
An outstanding defensive display from the Englishman. He was comfortable in possession and was error free in the build-up for the Hammers. He also made a number of crucial clearances and never gave the Newcastle attackers an inch of breathing room.
Emerson – 7
Put in a stunning delivery for Soucek to head home and that’s what he’s in the team for. Lopetegui certainly will want to see more of that accuracy in the final third when he is hugging the touchline. Even apart from the goal, he was combative and seldom gave the Newcastle attackers an inch.
Tomas Soucek – 6
Did what he’s the best at doing – scoring from set pieces. It was a well-timed header that found the back of the net as it was executed to perfection. In possession, he was a bit shaky with his passes and was not too involved in the build up. However, Lopetegui wants him in the team for the physical side of his game and in that regard, it was a job well done.
Lucas Paqueta shines in midfield
Lucas Paqueta – 8
Once again, among the standout performers for West Ham. Not only was he keeping things going in possession, he also offered plenty off the ball, putting his body on the line. He won 10 out of 13 ground duels and also won his only aerial duel. He did not stop running and was a handful for the Newcastle players.Jarrod Bowen – 8
Held the width very well and often showed he had a great understanding with Wan-Bissaka. He set him up for the Hammers’ second goal and nearly found the back of the net himself minutes later with a long-ranged effort. As an attacker, he had a pass accuracy of 94 per cent which only showcases how pinpoint he was. He even moved into central spaces whenever the opportunity arose and it was a complete display from the England international.
Carlos Soler – 7
Was a surprise inclusion in the side and absolutely vindicated Lopetegui’s decision. Undoubtedly among the best players on the pitch at St James’ Park. Had a pass accuracy of 90 per cent and was always offering himself for passes and tried to make things happen in the final third.
Crysencio Summerville – 6
Did not enjoy the success he would’ve wanted while taking players on but all in all it was a spirited display. He did not stop running, never had his head down and always looked to combine with players around him to open the Newcastle defence.
Michail Antonio – 7
Was applauded off the pitch by the Hammers support and completely deserved it. Kept the Newcastle defenders on their toes and his movement often got them out of position, disrupting the shape of Eddie Howe’s side. Lloyd Kelly had a torrid time dealing with the Jamaica international.