Newcastle United 3 West Ham United 1 – Sunday 17 May 2026 5.30pm
Instant fan/writer reaction from some of our regular contributors on The Mag.
Nat Seaton:
‘Great to finish our last home game with a win.
Glad we had 3 goals in the bag so we could enjoy it even when they scored.
Going to keep with the positives and hopefully we can take this into the last game.
Feels like this been a long season, maybe all those extra games… but I’ve loved it!
Thanks for the entertainment, see you in 3 months.’
Billy Miller:
‘Where’s that been all season?
Our best opening 20 minutes for a long time, playing some exquisite football.
There were a few shaky moments but we controlled most of the game.
A fitting send off for our man Trippier who was visibly emotional as he was serenaded off.
Now, here comes Captain Optimism. As long as Chelsea don’t beat Tottenham and then draw with Sunderland and Brentford lose against Liverpool then, with a final day win against Fulham and a slight goal difference swing over Brentford, we’ll sneak into 8th place for the unlikeliest European qualification ever.
Knowing how this season has gone all the above will happen and we’ll concede a last minute equaliser to miss out. But we can still dream for one more week.’
David Punton:
‘A blistering start was the key to this game.
We were well worth the win. A much improved showing.
In fact, we’ve waited all season for football like that. Where has it been hiding?
It was nice to sign off the home campaign with victory and it keeps us in with a vague shout of a European spot.
That was Woltemade’s first goal since February and it was a shocker from West Ham’s point of view.
The Osula brace took him to five in six games – surely enough to keep him around next season.
Not entirely sure why Bruno and Willock had words.
At full time we said goodbye to Trippier and Krafth. Trippier in particular had been a leader and a catalyst for success. He leaves with best wishes. They both do.
There could be a few more of them going as well.
You sense that a summer of change is coming.’
Tony Mallabar:
‘A swollen ankle that mysteriously appeared on Friday night meant today Mrs Numbers got my ticket and I joined the ranks of Eddie Howe’s firestick mags.
Now luckily for me, being Newcastle’s number one fickle fan came in very handy, as our heedless chicken Osula turned in a m.o.m performance so from now on he will be now known as super skill for yours truly.
But it’s no wonder west ham look certain for the drop after we tore them apart to go 2-0.
Last home game of the season and it’s a shame Trippier is leaving as I would like to have kept him another year.
So roll on to Fulham next week and another 3 points and hopefully Chelsea win also next weekend so we avoid the embarrassment of finishing below the village of the dammed.’
Simon Ritter:
‘A strong start and a few moments of accurate first-time passing earned us an early two-goal lead.
That was as good as it got, once Nuno reshaped his formation. Running off the ball gave way to pedestrian play.
Osula again showed he has the pace and power to be a Premier League ace but there were not many other positives, barring the three points.
A big makeover is essential for this squad if a top-six finish is to be achieved next season.’
Matt Busby said…:
‘Good win. Ends the season on a high.
It’s been a long one.
Glad for big Nick and fair play to Osula, took both his goals well.
Major overhaul needed this summer.
Weren’t West Ham dire?’
GToon:
‘Great tribute to Tripps.
Decent result against a team who knew the game was up inside 25 mins.
Some of the players did really well. Botman was great first half.
I’m surprised Gordon didn’t get a few mins to say bye. I understand Eddie’s view but he has made a big contribution in his time with us. Eddie needs to realise a season like this is going to impact players, the project, fans, investment etc etc. Shame for Gordon imo.
Is Osula’s glove part of the new kit?’
Newcastle United 3 West Ham United 1 – Sunday 17 May 2026 5.30pm
Match Stats
Goals:
Newcastle United:
Woltemade 15 Osula 18, 65
West Ham:
Castellanos 69
Possession was Newcastle 55% West Ham 45%
Total shots were Newcastle 15 West Ham 15
Shots on target were Newcastle 7 West Ham 8
Corners were Newcastle 9 West Ham 1
Touches in the opposition box Newcastle 43 West Ham 34
Newcastle team v West Ham:
Pope, Trippier (Elanga 85), Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Bruno, Tonali (Willock 53), Ramsey, Barnes (Jacob Murphy 75), Woltemade (Burn 75), Osula (Wissa 85)
Unused subs:
Ramsdale, Gordon, Alex Murphy, Neave