West Ham were left firmly in the Premier League relegation battle after they were hammered 5-1 by top-four contenders Newcastle United at the London Stadium.
Callum Wilson and Joelinton had fired the Magpies 2-0 in front after just 13 minutes but hope was restored before half time as Kurt Zouma headed home from Jarrod Bowen’s corner.
However, a Nayef Aguerd error 22 seconds into the second half gifted Wilson with his second before a mis-timed clearance from Lukasz Fabianski provided Alexander Isak with an open goal eight minutes from time.
As the goalkeeper rushed out of his penalty area, a mis-kick left Isak with the chance to control and lob the ball in from 30 yards. Joelinton then got his second as he beat Zouma and fired past Fabianski in stoppage time.
The result leaves West Ham on 27 points, and only outside of the bottom three on goal difference. Here’s how we rated the performances on Wednesday...
1. Lukasz Fabianski - 4
A poor error led to Isak’s goal and perhaps should have done better with Joelinton’s second and Newcastle’s fifth
2. Thilo Kehrer - 6
Did clear one off the line, along with one tackle. Subbed off after 63 minutes.
3. Kurt Zouma - 6
Gave West Ham hope with a header before half time to make it 2-1. Too easily beaten for Joelinton’s second.
4. Nayef Aguerd - 4
Guilty of a huge error which led to Newcastle’s third after just 22 seconds into the second half. Killed the Hammers’ hope.