Well, that was a much-needed victory for the Hammers — and let’s be fair, it was well deserved. Sure, the late goal from [Tomáš Souček](https://www.claretandhugh.info/tomas-soucek-bio/) put the cherry on the cake, but what stood out most was the steel, resolve, and team spirit that ran through the side.
Several things struck me about West Ham’s improved performance against Newcastle United at the [London Stadium](https://www.claretandhugh.info/london-stadium-bio/) — and most of them had little to do with technique. The first was that Nuno Espirito Santo’s team didn’t let their heads drop after conceding just three minutes in.
Yes, it was Halloween horror show defending from Malick Diouf, but the Hammers responded brilliantly. There was more spirit, more fight, and far greater unity than we’ve seen in recent weeks. In previous matches under Nuno, individual battles were lost too easily — but this time, there was a collective desire to dig in and compete.
Signs of Progress
-----------------
West Ham also looked more purposeful in possession, seemingly under instruction to move the ball forward faster. It wasn’t just hopeful long balls either — there were sharp, incisive passes through midfield, with Freddie Potts and Mateus Fernandes playing key roles.
There was an energy about the team that’s been missing for weeks. Players with big reputations — like Jarrod Bowen and Aaron Wan-Bissaka — looked back to something resembling their old selves. Even Jean-Clair Todibo was scrapping for balls he might ordinarily have let go.
It was far from perfect and plenty of work remains to be done, but if West Ham were looking for green shoots of improvement, there were definitely a few sprouting against Newcastle.
But most importantly, this win will have given players and fans alike hope.