Newcastle held at home by West Ham

Lucas Paquetá’s goal earned West Ham United at St James’ Park after Callum Wilson had given the Magpies and early lead.

A game that in truth had few chances had a frantic opening few minutes. In fact, in just over 30 seconds it looked like Newcastle United had taken the lead through Joe Willock. However, the ball had just crossed the byline before Miguel Almirón was able to cross it.

It didn’t matter too much though, just a few minutes later the home side did have the lead. Lukas Fabianski’s goal-kick was won back by Newcastle which resulted in Sean Longstaff sliding a ball in for Callum Wilson to finish well.

After that frantic start, the game eventually slowed down. That seemed to suit the visitors who came alive just after the half-hour mark. Lucas Paquetá had the Hammers’ first real sight of goal that earned his side a corner. 

That corner led to the equaliser, Declan Rice’s ball was nodded on allowing Paqueta to finish from close range.

There were few other chances to speak off for much of the rest of the game. Indeed, with 75 minutes gone in the game, the only two shots on target were the two goals.

Debutant Anthony Gordon almost made an instant impact when he played another ball in for Wilson behind the defence. Nayef Aguerd was on the spot to put in a fantastic tackle to deny what would have almost certainly been a goal.

The second effort on target – and the last one of the game – came in the 81st minute. Again it was Wilson causing trouble for the West Ham defence but his close-range header from a cross was straight at Fabianski.

Newcastle finished the game strongly but West Ham managed to hold on to what could be an important point for David Moyes’ team.

Meanwhile, the Magpies drop down to fourth position in the table after Manchester United’s win earlier in the day.

xG: Newcastle (1.14) 1-1 (1.07) West Ham

Nothing to separate the two sides at St James' Park 🤝#NEWWHU pic.twitter.com/2jVPYY4gqW

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 4, 2023