West Ham United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka (right) celebrates with team-mates Tomas Soucek (left) and Jarrod Bowen after scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at St James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. Picture date: Monday November 25, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Newcastle. Photo credit should read: Richard Sellers/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.
West Ham secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Newcastle at St James’ Park, easing the pressure on manager Julen Lopetegui. Tomas Soucek gave the Hammers a deserved lead in the 10th minute, powering in a header after being left unmarked by Lloyd Kelly, who was filling in for the suspended Dan Burn. Aaron Wan-Bissaka then doubled the advantage in the 53rd minute with a composed finish, marking his first goal for the club and halting Newcastle’s three-game winning streak, while preventing them from moving into the top six.
Despite dominating possession, Newcastle struggled to convert their chances. West Ham, by contrast, looked dangerous on the counter, with key contributions from Carlos Soler, Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen, and Crysencio Summerville. After Soucek’s opener, Newcastle came close through Joe Willock, whose shot went wide, and Sean Longstaff, who saw his header saved by Lukasz Fabianski. Alexander Isak also had a chance ruled offside earlier, and his subsequent attempt, following a cross from Bruno Guimaraes, was mishit.
Fabianski made another crucial stop, saving from Anthony Gordon, while Bowen’s late effort was also kept out by Newcastle keeper Nick Pope. The first half ended with West Ham holding a 1-0 lead.
Newcastle came out with renewed energy in the second half, with Harvey Barnes replacing Willock. However, it was Wan-Bissaka who struck again, finishing off a quick break from Bowen to put West Ham firmly in control.
The hosts’ defense faltered, with Pope and the defenders managing to block a number of shots. Isak had a header go off target, and Callum Wilson’s penalty appeal was dismissed after a challenge by Konstantinos Mavropanos. Despite a late push from Newcastle, West Ham stood firm to seal the win, leaving Tyneside with all three points and a significant boost for Lopetegui.
