Newcastle Toons
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Toon Takeaways from Newcastle’s big win over West Ham

ByCarson A Merk|
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Federico Fernandez of Newcastle United celebrates with teammate Miguel Almiron after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium on November 02, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Federico Fernandez of Newcastle United celebrates with teammate Miguel Almiron after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium on November 02, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Newcastle United played their best match of the season in a 3-2 win over West Ham.

Typically, you would find sections of Top Performers and Mediocre Magpies in my Toon Takeaways. But, it would be unfair to do that to analyze today’s match because there were so many great performances and very few poor ones if any, despite the late push from the Hammers.

Newcastle United scored six goals in their first ten Premier League matches. Today, they scored three in one fixture. Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez converted headers and Jonjo Shelvey buried a long-distance free kick. It’s crazy to say given their pedigree this season, but they should have scored more. Allan Saint-Maximin should have scored when he was 1-on-1 with the goalkeeper, but he hit it right at Roberto. Then, he had another chance on the break and his shot was saved and his pass to Miguel Almiron in front of goal led to Miggy’s shot being stopped.

ASM and Almiron were truly electric today, despite neither registering a goal or assist. They wore out and embarrassed West Ham defenders as they flew down the wing or behind the backline.

Steve Bruce needs full marks today. His lineup choice to pair Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden paid off well and his club came out of the gate ready to strike. This was definitely the best performance of the season for Bruce’s side and they earn a crucial three points.

Quick Kicks

  • None of the three goals for Newcastle United were scored by a forward, two came from defenders and one from a midfielder.
  • A few minutes after West Ham scored their goal and took control of the action, Jamaal Lascelles screamed at his teammates as they had lackadaisically gotten back on defense. It was great to see the captain locked in and holding his teammates accountable.
  • Not only was Almiron great in the attack, but he was also really impactful in defense as well. He made a couple of late blocks on crosses and intercepted passes to start the break throughout the match.

What’s Next?

Newcastle United will return home to St. James’ Park next weekend to host Bournemouth. The Cherries upset Manchester United today and they currently sit in 7th on the table.