Cynthia Ezegwu
Nuno Espirito Santo celebrated his first victory as West Ham United manager on Sunday after his side came from behind to beat Newcastle United 3–1 in a thrilling Premier League clash at the London Stadium.
The Hammers, who remain in the relegation zone, recorded only their second league win of the season but are now just three points adrift of 17th-placed Burnley, whom they face next week.
Jacob Murphy gave Newcastle an early lead with a fine fourth-minute strike, moments after Jarrod Bowen had rattled the post for the hosts. Referee Robert Jones awarded West Ham a penalty soon after, ruling that Bowen had been brought down by Malick Thiaw, but the decision was overturned by VAR after replays showed the defender had touched the ball.
West Ham drew level in the 35th minute through Lucas Paquetá, who powered home a low drive from outside the box past Nick Pope. The hosts went in front just before halftime when Sven Botman, attempting to clear Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross, sliced the ball into his own net.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe made three substitutions at the break, introducing Fabian Schär, William Osula, and Jacob Ramsey in a bid to turn the game around. The visitors dominated possession in the second half but lacked cutting edge in front of goal.
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Freddie Potts thought he had extended West Ham’s lead midway through the half, but his effort was ruled out for offside. The home side eventually sealed the points late on when Tomáš Souček finished clinically to make it 3–1.
The result gave Nuno his first win since taking over from David Moyes in late September, just weeks after his dismissal by Nottingham Forest.
The victory was also West Ham’s first at home in the Premier League since February, lifting spirits among fans after a difficult start to the campaign. Newcastle’s defeat, meanwhile, leaves Eddie Howe’s side 13th in the table.