We asked Davey Hat-Trick to give us his match ratings and player comments after Newcastle United 3 West Ham United 1.
That was a good win against a side that should have been fighting for their lives but seldom looked like it.
The first 20 minutes from Newcastle was as good as they have played all season and we were 2-0 up before West Ham had worked out what to do. Our passing was slick, our tackles were sharp, and for once, our finishing was accurate.
West Ham came back into the game a bit but I never thought we’d surrender the lead.
The game was pretty much put to bed 20 minutes into the second half when we scored our third, although the Hammers scored the goal of the game to give themselves some hope. However, there was no Newcastle collapse, and we saw out the game with a degree of comfort.
There were good performances all over the pitch from the black and whites, including from players that have been written off in some quarters. With Krafth and Trippier (and Gordon) saying their goodbyes, attention will turn to next season. But it was good to finish our home games with a solid, enjoyable win.
Nick Pope 8
A good game.
Made an excellent double save in the first half and I don’t blame him for conceding the West Ham goal. I’d rather give Castellanos credit for a great strike.
Other than that, Pope just had to make a few routine stops and catch a few crosses. He did so without fuss.
Kieran Trippier 7
We’ll miss Tripps and this game showed us why.
He was steady rather than spectacular but he always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.
I thought he might struggle against Summerville but the West Ham winger was rendered impotent.
Tripps received a deserved ovation before the game, when he was subbed off, and again at the end. What a signing he has been.
Malick Thiaw 8
An accomplished display from our best signing of the summer.
Quick thinking and fleet of foot. Snuffed out just about everything West Ham tried.
Was guilty of overplaying once or twice, when wellying the ball onto Barrack Road would have been a better option.
Sven Botman 9
An excellent performance.
Won just about every challenge he was required to and showed some neat touches.
He also seems to have recovered some of the pace he lost though injury. Getting back to his best.
Lewis Hall 7
Back on the left and all the better for it.
Snapped into tackles, used the ball well, and had a few forays up the park.
Sandro Tonali 7
A bit of a throwback to last season’s performances.
Sandro was everywhere, making interceptions, passing the ball well, and outrunning just about everyone else on the park. Subbed off with an injury.
Bruno Guimaraes 7
We are much better with Bruno in the side.
Never lets his standards drop, only settles for the sideways/backwards pass when he absolutely has to, and has an uplifting effect on his team mates.
A typically all-energy display in this game.
Jacob Ramsey 8
Our best midfielder in this game for me.
Matched the energy of Sandro and Bruno and showed a bit of style too.
A neat assist for our second goal.
Harvey Barnes 7
On the right again, and it’s clear that it isn’t his preferred position. Worked hard, got an assist, but looked a little lost once or twice
William Osula 9
I’m not sure what Osula has to do to win over the doubters.
A lot of Newcastle fans have made their minds up about him and declared him surplus to requirements.
Well, I see a player who runs himself into the ground for the cause, makes some excellent runs that aren’t always picked up by his colleagues, and bothers the heck out of opposition defences.
West Ham couldn’t handle him and he scored two tidy goals. That’s five in his last six games for the lad.
Player of the match for me and I’ll be happy if he’s still here next season.
Nick Woltemade 8
A cracking display from Woltemade. Sharp, smart and smooth.
Scored an excellent goal – a more difficult finish than it looked – and linked play well.
I suspect he’ll be playing elsewhere next season, and if he is, I wish him nothing but the best
SUBS
Joe Willock 6
Unlucky not to start based on his recent displays and did quite well when introduced early in the second half.
A lovely one-two with Osula for our third and a row with Bruno to cap his display.
Dan Burn 6
Brought on after the Hammers scored to make a back five and the team muddled through to the end without further damage.
BDB played his part and did a few of his trademark gallops up the pitch to make things interesting.
Jacob Murphy 5
A few good moments but he was there to steady the ship rather than change the game.
Did OK.
Yoane Wissa N/A
Not on long enough to judge
Anthony Elanga N/A
Not on long enough to judge