West Ham United secured their first Premier League win in three final evening, defeating Newcastle United 2-0 at St James’ Park.
Objectives from Tomas Soucek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka secured the victory for Julen Lopetegui’s facet, undoubtedly enjoying an enormous position in doubtlessly securing his future with the membership.
The Spaniard has been below big strain in current weeks after the sluggish begin to the 2024/25 marketing campaign, however the show on Tyneside has undoubtedly given supporters a cause to be optimistic.
It was a superb attacking and defensive show, taking their possibilities in entrance of purpose, earlier than limiting Eddie Howe’s outfit to restricted alternatives within the course of.
Quite a few first-team members stepped up their efficiency ranges, producing a few of their greatest shows for the reason that season started a few months in the past.
West Ham’s star performers in opposition to Newcastle
Centre-back Max Kilman arrived in a £40m deal from fellow Premier League facet Wolverhampton Wanderers through the low season, however has but to display his greatest kind since his transfer to the capital.
Nonetheless, his show within the North East final evening was undoubtedly one in every of his best since that big-money switch, wanting just like the participant the hierarchy splashed all that money on.
The 27-year-old featured for the complete 90 minutes, enjoying in a backline that secured simply their second clear sheet of the league marketing campaign to this point.
Kilman completed 89% of the passes he attempted, while making eight clearances – enjoying a pivotal position in protecting the in-form Alexander Isak quiet and limiting him to restricted alternatives.
Midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been a person below hearth in current weeks, however he answered his critics final evening with a warrior-like efficiency on the coronary heart of Lopetegui’s midfield.
The Brazilian won six tackles and ten duels – probably the most of any participant on the pitch, showcasing that he’s greater than able to doing the soiled work moderately than being a luxurious participant.
He additionally made seven passes into the ultimate third, trying to create alternatives for his teammates, enjoying an enormous position within the transition for the Hammers.
Nonetheless, regardless of the aforementioned duo’s respective shows, it was one other participant’s efficiency on Tyneside who impressed probably the most, undoubtedly giving Lopetegui a variety headache within the coming weeks.
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West Ham participant seems to be undroppable after Newcastle
Midfielder Carlos Soler joined the Hammers on mortgage from French facet PSG after James Ward-Prowse departed to signal for fellow top-flight facet Nottingham Forest on a deal till the top of the season.
The Spaniard has regularly discovered minutes onerous to come back by since his arrival, with final evening his first league begin since his summer season arrival.
Edson Alvarez hasn’t featured since his dismissal in opposition to Forest practically a month in the past, with Guido Rodriguez a person out of shape in current weeks, finally resulting in Soler’s uncommon begin.
Nonetheless, it was a chance the 27-year-old took with each palms, finishing 45 passes and registering four efforts on goal as he tried to make the specified impact in attacking areas.
Soler made six recoveries, successful two duels and in addition completing 50% of the dribbles he tried, resulting in Sky Sports activities’ Dougie Critchley stating it was his “best game” for the membership.
|
Soler in opposition to Newcastle United |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Minutes performed |
84 |
|
Touches |
63 |
|
Passes accomplished |
45/50 (90%) |
|
Pictures taken |
4 |
|
Duels received |
2 |
|
Recoveries |
6 |
|
Dribbles accomplished |
1/2 (50%) |
|
Stats through Sofascore |
|
Consequently, the box-to-box midfielder was handed a 7/10 match rating by The Normal’s Dom Smith, with solely goalscoring Wan-Bissaka receiving the next match score.
It’s virtually inconceivable for Lopetegui to drop his £80k-per-week compatriot after his spectacular efficiency alongside Paqueta on the coronary heart of the Hammers midfield.
The pair demonstrated a superb understanding, however will each must be on prime kind as they host title hopefuls Arsenal on the London Stadium on Saturday night.
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