Joe Willock’s the hero again as Newcastle win vs. 10-man West Ham
Today was a rollercoaster for Newcastle United and the Toon Army. The Magpies took a 2-0 lead into halftime with an own goal and a second from Joelinton. Then, goals from Issa Diop and Jesse Lingard leveled things before Joe Willock found the winner for NUFC.
Newcastle United looked like the better club early on and they were finally able to take the lead on a wild play. A poor touch led to a takeaway by Joelinton, who was promptly chopped down by Craig Dawson as he tapped the ball forward.
Referee Kevin Friend played advantage as Saint-Maximin controlled the ball and drove it towards goal. He put a decent shot on frame as he faded to the right side of the box and Lukasz Fabianski couldn’t handle the shot and it went into the back of his net off of Issa Diop.
Dawson was shown a second yellow card for that challenge on Joelinton and the Hammers were down to ten men. Five minutes later, Fabianski fumbled a corner kick and Joelinton smashed it home from point-blank range.
Joe Willock scores a late winner for Newcastle United over 10-man West Ham United.
Despite playing down a man, West Ham dictated the action in the second half. They controlled possession and had the better chances and a header from Diop pulled one goal back.
Then, VAR and Friend awarded West Ham a questionable penalty for a handball on Ciaran Clark. Jesse Lingard buried his chance.
But, with the score level, Willock substituted on and almost immediately gave the Magpies a lead. He headed home a Matt Ritchie cross in the 82nd minute to secure all three points.
With the win, Newcastle move nine points clear of Fulham in the final relegation position and actually leapfrog Brighton and Burnley, who have played one fewer match than the Magpies, to go up to 15th. Relegation is becoming more and more unlikely for Steve Bruce’s side.
Next. Comparing NUFC's April 1st position vs. past relegation years. dark
What’s Next?
Newcastle will travel to Anfield next weekend to face Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp’s side have found their form in the Premier League and are unbeaten in their last eight matches vs. NUFC (five wins, three draws)