Having endured the final international break of the season, it didn’t take long for the Premier League to enthral upon its return.
With the spring sun shining and club football back in all its glory, the vibes were very much there as Newcastle took on West Ham at St James’ Park in Saturday’s early kick-off.
The Magpies’ defensive woes combined with West Ham’s litany of attacking stars meant there were projections of a goal-fest, but very few could’ve foreshadowed the blockbuster that’d unfold on Tyneside.
The afternoon couldn’t have started better for Newcastle, with Anthony Gordon winning an early penalty that was converted by Alexander Isak in the opening exchanges.
We’re five minutes in, and Newcastle have a penalty! #NEWWHU
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 30, 2024
However, it seemed as if Eddie Howe’s side had peaked early. The Newcastle boss was forced into an early change with Jamaal Lascelles succumbing to injury, and his replacement, Emil Krafth, played Michail Antonio onside before the West Ham striker equalised for the visitors. Lucas Paqueta’s assist was divine.
Timing and execution of that pass from Lucas Paquetá was superb. Technical cheat code.
— Dan Woffenden (@danwoff98) March 30, 2024
That Paqueta pass… pic.twitter.com/RbXCLIl7uP
— The Real Tolmie’s Hairdoo (@RealTolmie) March 30, 2024
Antonio’s strike took the sting out of the hosts, who started brightly, and David Moyes’ side started to assert themselves in the contest, taking advantage of a makeshift Newcastle backline. The visitors made the most of a lengthy stoppage time period at the end of the first half as Mohammed Kudus handed West Ham their first lead on the stroke of half-time.
There’s only been one goal scored later in the first half of a Premier League game than Kudus’ in the 10th minute of injury time! ⌛️ pic.twitter.com/2eVniDShco
— 90min (@90min_Football) March 30, 2024
Bowen spent a week with Saka and his goals have turned into assists pic.twitter.com/AjpYLqLNrY
— Moyes Maniac (@DanielKretinsky) March 30, 2024
Things went from bad to worse for Howe’s men at the start of the second period, as Kudus turned provider for West Ham’s third. Jarrod Bowen finished smartly after a swift Hammers break.
Most Premier League goals & assists scored by English players this season:
26 — O. Watkins
25 —
24 —
23 —
22 —
21 — B. Saka
20 —
19 — J. BOWEN, C. Palmer
18 — P. FodenGet him on the plane. 🛫🛫🛫 pic.twitter.com/rKE3t7y54a
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 30, 2024
Newcastle’s injury bug continued to rear its ugly head as Howe started to substitute substitutes out of necessity. A comeback seemed improbable, but the Englishman’s changes did alter the dynamic of the bout.
The Cursed™️ Season – 2023/24.
Nonstop injuries, everywhere, to everyone.
— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) March 30, 2024
Kalvin Phillips’ wretched West Ham stint persisted as he gave away the spot kick which handed Newcastle a lifeline. Gordon and Isak once again combined.
Kalvin Phillips pic.twitter.com/FOP2t475mk
— Rimedi (@r1medi) March 30, 2024
Never a penalty for Newcastle that last one. Strange sport
— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) March 30, 2024
Alexander Isak is the first Newcastle player to score two penalties in a Premier League game at St James’ Park since Joey Barton against Arsenal in February 2011.
And he provided the assist for the equaliser. 👏#NEWWHU pic.twitter.com/qysWFgGB4P
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) March 30, 2024
Flaws on show from every party here
Newcastle: Defensively open and vulnerable
West Ham: Too often sit back on a lead and suffer
Refs: That (bad, imo) penalty call changed the game— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) March 30, 2024
With St James’ alive and kicking once more, the possibility of something special occurring sprung to mind. West Ham just sat deeper and deeper, inviting Newcastle on, and they were made to pay. Substitute Harvey Barnes exploited a rare aggressive Hammers defensive line to equalise before the former Leicester man sent the Toon into delirium, capping off a remarkable comeback with a sensational strike from distance in stoppage time.
NEWCASTLE HAVE TURNED IT AROUND!
Harvey Barnes puts them 4-3 up in the 90th minute 🤯#NEWWHU
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 30, 2024
Harvey Barnes screamer to make it Newcastle 4-3 West Ham. pic.twitter.com/7q6YNUKJ1B
— Carl Anka (@Ankaman616) March 30, 2024
Harvey Barnes, an unforgettable performance. He’s a brilliant footballer, and the way he took those chances sums that up.
The phrase I used to describe him when he signed was “relentlessly efficient”.
And that efficiency won us the game today, and maybe even European football. pic.twitter.com/wmPjJt9ZhB
— Sanjay (@nufcsanjay) March 30, 2024
No point having world class talent like Kudus, Bowen and Paqueta if you can’t manage games, be smart and hold onto leads. Real throwback feeling to inevitable West Ham collapses of old.
— Toby Cudworth (@Toby_Cudworth) March 30, 2024
Bonkers. What a sport.
6’—Newcastle 1-0 West Ham
21’—Newcastle 1-1 West Ham
45+10’—Newcastle 1-2 West Ham
48’—Newcastle 1-3 West Ham
77’—Newcastle 2-3 West Ham
83’—Newcastle 3-3 West Ham
90’—Newcastle 4-3 West HamPREMIER LEAGUE IS BACK 🥰 pic.twitter.com/fxg57sH0tn
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 30, 2024
This Newcastle v West Ham has been glorious chaos from the first kick. Goals galore, penalties, controversy, confusion. One of the most unpredictable games I’ve seen in years.
— HLTCO (@HLTCO) March 30, 2024
