"Instead of subduing Eddie Howe's players it simply served to remind Nick Woltemade precisely why he is Newcastle's record signing. By the 26th minute when Nuno scrapped that configuration for a much more effective back four, West Ham were 2-0 down and had one foot in the Championship. Should Tottenham secure a point at Chelsea on Tuesday, the East London side's vastly inferior goal difference all but ensures they will have no choice but to walk, reluctantly, through the second tier's front door."
"On an evening when Howe reassured those Newcastle supporters that wonder whether he really is the right man to remain in charge here next season, the cheers along Tottenham High Road must have been deafening. West Ham's only hope now is that Roberto De Zerbi's side currently two points ahead in 17th lose their final two games while they win their concluding fixture at home to Leeds on Sunday. Otherwise it will be goodbye to the Premier League."
"The long dreaded moment for Tynesiders to bid Kieran Trippier farewell had finally arrived. It is no exaggeration to say that the former England full-back ranks as one of the most important signings in Newcastle's modern history and a giant banner in the East Stand duly declared: Forever a legend. Thanks you for the memories. While Trippier will be a free agent next month, the future of Woltemade remains uncertain."
"Yet if Howe still appears unconvinced by the Germany forward, at least he started him in his preferred No 10 role behind Will Osula and Woltemade repaid such faith by scoring the first goal. When Harvey Barnes intercepted a slapdash delivery from Mads Hermansen and clipped a cross over from the right Woltemade was perfectly placed to cushion an eight-yard volley beyond the visiting goal"
West Ham’s decision to begin with a back three on Tyneside proved ineffective, allowing Newcastle to take control and go 2-0 up by the 26th minute. West Ham then abandoned the shape for a back four, but the early deficit left them close to relegation. If Tottenham avoid defeat at Chelsea, West Ham’s inferior goal difference would likely force them into the Championship. Newcastle supporters also marked Kieran Trippier’s farewell, with a banner honoring his importance to the club’s modern history. Nick Woltemade’s future remains uncertain, but he started in his preferred No 10 role behind Will Osula and scored the opening goal with an eight-yard volley after Harvey Barnes intercepted a poor clearance and delivered a cross.
Read at www.theguardian.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]