By Neil Shaw-Smith
**Much like recent celebrity traitors, trouble brewed for the ‘castle, with an unexpected win from an unlikely opponent.**
The first home win of the season provided much relief for the hammers faithful. With the added bonus for those who stayed in person right to the end, a third goal that could be truly savoured. Finally giving hammers fans a spring in their step leaving the ground for the first time since February.
But whilst it is a nice to get some respite, it’s important to temper this and not get carried away. The team can’t seem be bereft of tactics and ideas one match and then world-beaters the next.
Even as recently as last season, a surprising win away to Arsenal in February was seen as a kickstart to the run in. This then faded into general thankfulness that there were worse teams sure for relegation, not so this season.
Newcastle were pushed back and the pressure and chances created led to mistakes being made in the back line that could be capitalised. However, two of the three goals scored could be classed as weaker goalkeeping by Pope, who will be praying for a stronger showing in future. If not for a bit of (finally good) fortune on side then this could have been another valiant draw similar to the Everton battle.
Already Potts is going into a lot of Fantasy teams as he rightly drew compliments all round. Turns out it wasn’t Potter that was needed most, it was Potts.
There were still some hairy moments where defensive weaknesses were exposed, the very first newcastle attack resulted in a naive goal.
If there’s a lesson from the recent celebrity traitors finale, it should be that even when things finally seem to be going to plan, it can turn suddenly.
Nuno has been quick with praise and already won over a section of supporters with his likeable demeanor to faithful fans. He is definitely the character we all need at the helm right now. But from the faithful fan perspective, we need to tread with caution – only time will tell if the lovable, charming character has the right answers or just saying what we want to hear.
Judgment should not solely be the final score, but on performances – as it clicked against the Magpies.
Team progress can’t be judged on results alone – it’s not as black and white as that.