**West Ham’s first win under Nuno has reignited hope amongst fans.**
Two-hundred-and-fourty-eight. That’s the number of days West Ham have been waiting for a home win. A win against Newcastle may not lift them out the relegation zone, but the Hammers knew how massive of a result it was.
A positive start from the hosts saw them hit the post from an extravagant Bowen shot, just for Newcastle to hit them on the counter and take the lead via a well placed attempt from Jacob Murphy. Once again the Irons’ leaky defence caused them issues but, almost miraculously, this wouldn’t be the case for the following 85 minutes.
A midfield of Paqueta, Fernandes, and Potts bossed the match, helping the Hammers to dominate the first-half both in attack and defence. It was the Brazilian who equalised with a superb strike from distance which found its way into the bottom corner in the 35th minute.
Just before half-time, a cross from Wan-Bissaka turned into a nightmare for Sven Botman who poked the ball into the back of his own net.
Changes from both sides meant Newcastle got much more of the ball in the second 45’, but West Ham managed to defend well, limiting the visitor’s clear-cut chances. The Hammers thought they’d extended their lead via Freddie Potts, but the goal was disallowed due to Tomas Soucek’s toe being offside.
The Czech was actually being played up front, an admittedly bold decision, but one which paid off when he scored with virtually the final kick off the match to keep all three points in East London.
From start to finish, it was a performance to be proud of. It showed the fight that West Ham have so desperately needed, and it paid off. The players’ efforts were rewarded with a great atmosphere, proving that what we see on the pitch has a massive impact on what we hear in the stands.
It’s a massive win, and a well deserved one at that, but it has to be just the beginning. If we don’t put in the same level of performance and walk away with all three points next weekend against Burnley then the result against the Magpies was virtually pointless. The lineup needs to be unchanged, and the heart has to be there again.
For now, West Ham fans can enjoy a rare week of bliss, but it’s vital we provide the same atmosphere for the players on Saturday.