Newcastle Toons
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Newcastle United: Toon Takeaways from the win over West Ham

By Carson A Merk

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 26: Ciaran Clark of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and West Ham United at St. James Park on August 26, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 26: Ciaran Clark of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and West Ham United at St. James Park on August 26, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /
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In their first win of the season, Newcastle United looked strong against West Ham United.

With a gloomy feeling around the club after a 0-2 Premier League start and a cup loss to Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United needed a positive match today. That’s exactly what they got, winning 3-0 over West Ham United, who are still searching for their first points of the season.

Joselu opened the scoring in the first half, his first as a member of the Magpies, before Ciaran Clark and substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic tallied in the second frame. Rob Elliot secured his first clean sheet of the young season with a few big saves and the club got a big boost of confidence when they really needed it.

Top Toons

Matt Ritchie: All motor. Ritchie never stops working. He helped take possession off Declan Rice to create the chance for the first goal. Then, he won possession, played a quick one-two, before firing a cross to Ciaran Clark’s head for the second goal of the match. His pressure and work rate make him tough to deal with for any back line.

Ciaran Clark: The central defender scored the match’s second goal on Ritchie’s cross and kept West Ham off the board before that. After a Rob Elliot save, Clark cleared Chicharito’s effort off the line. Fantastic match all around for the former Aston Villa man.

Mikel Merino: After a shaky outing last week starting for Jonjo Shelvey, Merino was class this time out for Newcastle. He was influential with his passing and movement in the midfield. After Ritchie won the ball from Rice, he sent a lovely, long through ball to Christian Atsu, who turned it in to Joselu.

Mediocre Magpies

Javier Manquillo: Not a poor showing from the fullback, but he had some plays he needs to clean up. He’s definitely been serviceable in place of DeAndre Yedlin, but expect the American to takeover the position when healthy.

Ayoze Perez: Despite notching an assist, Perez was not overly effective again. This season, he’s been involved in a lot of attacks, but his decision making in the final third has let him down at times. I would like to see Rafa try someone else in his spot early this season.

Pivotal Moment

Joselu’s opening goal. It was his first for the team, but more importantly, the first goal of the season for Newcastle United in Premier League play. It allowed the club to play with more confidence and open up West Ham’s back line a bit.

What’s Next?

An international break. The Magpies are not in action again until September 10th, when they travel to face Swansea City. The Swans are 1-1-1 to start the season. Jonjo Shelvey will be eligible to make his return against him former club.