West Ham United successfully defeated an abject Newcastle United side 3-0 by virtue of the best performance from Manuel Pellegrini’s squad since his summer arrival.
Javier Hernandez returned to the starting line up for just the third time this season, but wasted no time making an impact in proceedings, peeling off Federico Fernandez to create space and sweep in Robert Snodgrass’ inswinging cross after just 11 minutes.
After spurning multiple chances, Hernandez positioned himself well once more to latch on to Marko Arnautovic’s flicked header and slot past Martin Dubravka at his near post. With crossing options available, Chicharito’s decision to shoot was vindicated and secured the Mexican his first brace since August last year.
With the last kick of the game, Filipe Anderson capped an exquisite away performance with an entirely justified third goal, in turn crowning an outstanding individual display.
Outstanding Anderson provides the impetus
Felipe Anderson’s direct dribbling usually followed by an incisive pass gave the impression of a Champions League quality player against Newcastle’s defence. The home side could not cope with the Brazilian’s pace and trickery, but he also contributed to the attack via exquisite defence-splitting through balls that have not previously been a hallmark of his skillset.
With just seconds to spare Anderson shrugged off a challenge, leaving the defender in his wake on the floor, and slotted in the resulting shot under Dubravka to the goal his industrious performance deserved. Consistency has remained a persistent issue with the wide midfielder, but more match-winning performances like this should shrug that tag with ease.
Pellegrini gets reshuffle right
Manuel Pellegrini made four changes from the 4-0 thrashing by Manchester City last weekend, and each one of those players had an effect against Newcastle. Aaron Cresswell was superb in defence, thwarting Matt Ritchie until being substituted, whilst Mark Noble was a steady influence in midfield and Robert Snodgrass’s bursts down the right channel were dominant, alongside assisting the opener.
But Javier Hernandez had the most significant effect on proceedings, gobbling up his early opportunity, then anticipating Arnautovic’s flicked header to gain a couple of yards on the Newcastle defence. The aforementioned positioning afforded the striker space to shoot, exhibiting the composure to effectively seal the match.
Newcastle toothless once more
Meanwhile, Rafael Benitez side fashioned chances, with over twice as many shots as the opposition but the same number on target. Composure was lacking throughout the team and Benitez making the telling point after the game that, “They have spent the money on offensive players and they made the difference.”
It’s difficult to argue otherwise, the hosts kept possession well, but ultimately failed to penetrate the opposition defence often enough and will find survival tough without a regular goal threat. Salomon Rondon is not the solution to their problems with just three goals so far this campaign.
The pendulum swings of form
Both sides tend to blow hot and cold, rarely establishing consistency in their performances, and once more this was the case as roles were reversed from the previous match week.
Despite being humbled by champions Manchester City last weekend, the Hammers appeared full of confidence on their voyage to the North East. While the hosts, who had won three games in succession, reverted to their disastrous August form.
In order to avoid being sucked into a relegation scrap, a reliable run of results must be constructed by both outfits.
A table of fine margins
West Ham have created breathing room from the bottom three, by virtue of their six-point gap, rising to 13th in the Premier League table while Newcastle fell to the periphery of the bottom three in 15th.
Manuel Pellegrini will begin perpetrations for Cardiff City’s trip to the London Stadium on Tuesday, which presents a viable opportunity for back to back victories. Benitez will attempt to regroup his squad and reorganise the Magpies defence before Wednesday’s journey to Goodison Park against Everton.
Man of the Match: Felipe Anderson
In spite of Hernadez securing a brace, Anderson was undoubtedly the Man of the Match, regularly providing the spark for some blistering West Ham counter attacks and finishing off the rout courtesy of a late solo goal.
