Newcastle Toons
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Toon Takeaways from Newcastle United’s 3-2 win over West Ham

By Carson A Merk

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Christian Atsu of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium on December 23, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Christian Atsu of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium on December 23, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United finally got back in the win column with a 3-2 victory at West Ham.

For the first time since late October, Newcastle United won a match. It was an exhilarating battle, but Newcastle came out on top 3-2, thanks for goals from Henri Saivet, Mohamed Diame, and Christian Atsu.

Top Toons

Christian Atsu: Undoubtedly, he was the Man of the Match. His pace was electric, per usual, but he was also great on the ball. He got a nutmeg on Pablo Zabaleta, before teeing up Diame for the second goal. Then, he calmly put home the third goal and eventual winner.

DeAndre Yedlin: Today was prime Yedlin. He was flying all over the pitch and creating chances in the attacking end. He set up Dwight Gayle for a goal, but his shot rang the crossbar.

Rob Elliot: His save on the penalty was massive. It allowed Newcastle United to remain confident and gave them an emotional boost. He also did well to save Andy Carroll’s header, but unfortunately couldn’t make a miraculous stop on Andre Ayew’s follow up.

Mediocre Magpies

Dwight Gayle: He was active and got into great areas, but his finishing was lacking. Gayle had a couple quality chances to put the ball home, but he blasted the crossbar on one and sailed the shot on the other.

Joselu: Other than an assist to Atsu, I’m not sure how many times Joselu actually possessed the ball. He did a disappearing act as he is known to do, but re-appeared in the second half to scuffle a chance to solidify Newcastle’s lead.

Ciaran Clark: He committed the foul that (wrongfully) earned West Ham a penalty. Also, Clark could’ve done better to close down on a few chances in the second half.

Quick Kicks

-The aforementioned penalty should not have been. The foul was committed outside the area.

More from Newcastle Toons

-If you predicted Diame and Saivet would score when you saw the lineup announced, you are either lying, enjoying an early adult beverage, or a family member of one of the two players.

-Saivet’s blunder to gift West Ham’s first goal was bad, but his free kick was remarkable in the other direction. His delivery on corner kicks was class as well. If not for the free kick goal, he clearly would have fallen into the Mediocre Magpies section.

-Jamaal Lascelles was limping late in the match. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious because he transforms the Newcastle United defense when he’s playing.

-After resting both players today, will we possibly see a Mikel Merino and Jonjo Shelvey pairing on Wednesday?

What’s Next?

After finally breaking through today, things will not be as fun on Wednesday. Newcastle United takes on Premier League juggernaut Manchester City. They have not yet lost in the Premier League season and have only drawn once.