'Absolute monster' - West Ham duo hailed after win over Newcastle United as £45m star is 'shut down'

West Ham earned their first win in three matches on Monday night as they beat Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in what was an impressive win for Julen Lopetegui’s side. It was a much-needed win for the Hammers manager who has been under pressure recently.

They took the lead after 10 minutes via midfielder Tomas Soucek, who headed in a corner to make it 1-0 and silence the sizeable home support. The Hammers then had to soak up a lot of pressure from the Magpies before former Manchester United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka scored his first West Ham goal in the 53rd minute to make it 2-0.

Ex-Premier League striker Troy Deeney was quick to praise Wan-Bissaka, but not for his attacking play. The defender had to mark winger Anthony Gordon throughout the game and was able to keep him quiet. Deeney said in his Premier League team of the week for BBC Sport: “He obviously got his goal but he was excellent defensively against Newcastle.

“He did brilliantly to shut down Anthony Gordon and there are really good signs of the guy that was signed for such big money from Crystal Palace all those years ago.” Wan-Bissaka signed for a fee of just under £15m from Manchester United over the summer and was expected to be a big part of West Ham’s success this season. However, after a slow start he will be pleased to put in a stunning performance like he did on Monday night.

West Ham centre-back praised by Deeney

Wan-Bissaka wasn’t the only Hammers star that Deeney was quick to praise in the game, as former Wolves centre-back Max Kilman was also subject to a spot in his Premier League team of the week.

The former Premier League striker said: “He [Kilman] is growing week by week. An absolute monster.” Kilman helped to nullify Newcastle striker Alexander Isak who has been subject to transfer interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea. The Hammers’ defence managed to keep a Newcastle attack who scored three goals against the second-best defence in the league Nottingham Forest last weekend at bay.

Kilman signed from Wolves for a fee of just under £40m and it may be that the Hammers are eventually getting to see the player they forked out the hefty fee for. Lopetegui will be hoping that his side can continue after an excellent win on Monday evening.