Will Osula netted a brace as Newcastle secured a crucial 3-1 victory over West Ham, pushing the latter closer to relegation from the Premier League on Sunday.
The Danish forward scored twice, once before and once after the half-time interval, following an early goal from record signing Nick Woltemade. This marked Woltemade’s first league goal since December, contributing to a day of celebration for the Toon Army as they honored Kieran Trippier on his final match at St James’ Park.
Substitute Taty Castellanos did manage to score for West Ham with a stunning strike, which initiated a late surge, including hitting the crossbar, but it ultimately proved futile.
West Ham’s defeat means they are at risk of relegation on Tuesday if Tottenham wins against Chelsea. Even a draw would place them in a precarious position due to their severely deficient goal difference.
If Spurs lose at Stamford Bridge, the Hammers must beat Leeds at home and hope that their rivals lose to Everton to avoid dropping down a division.
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The home side settled into the match well, with Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, and Jacob Ramsey dominating midfield. Osula created the first real chance of the game with an 11th-minute shot that was deflected wide.
Newcastle took the lead in the 15th minute thanks to a well-crafted goal. After Harvey Barnes intercepted a pass from West Ham goalkeeper Mads Hermansen to defender Jean-Clair Todibo, he advanced and delivered a cross for Woltemade to finish with a side-foot strike.
Just four minutes later, Newcastle doubled their lead. A brilliant combination involving Trippier, Barnes, Guimarães, and Ramsey allowed Osula to break free from defender Axel Disasi, enabling him to slot the ball past the onrushing Hermansen.
Displaying impressive attacking play, Newcastle continuously sliced through West Ham’s vulnerable defense. Nuno Espirito Santo made an early tactical switch, replacing Todibo with Taty Castellanos just 26 minutes in, shifting from a back three to a more compact four-man defense.
This tactical change stabilized West Ham, and goalkeeper Nick Pope showcased his skills, reacting quickly to deny Taty’s shot in the 29th minute.
Despite some promising moves from the visitors, led by Mateus Fernandes, Jarrod Bowen, and Summerville, Newcastle maintained their attacking threat, with Hermansen needing to save a Barnes effort just before half-time.
The second half followed a similar trend, with West Ham appearing stronger but still struggling to penetrate Newcastle’s defense. Fernandes tried his luck with a shot in the 57th minute that was comfortably held by Pope, while Guimarães narrowly missed with an effort moments later.
Eventually, Newcastle extended their lead with 25 minutes left on the clock when Joe Willock intercepted a pass from fellow substitute Pablo and after a quick exchange of passes with Osula, he delivered a cross for Osula to score his second.
Taty’s stunning first-time finish from Hermansen’s clearance in the 69th minute gave West Ham a glimmer of hope, and he came close to scoring again when he rattled the crossbar. However, Newcastle proved resolute and secured the win.