Happy Hammers hold on for precious point

Newcastle 1 Hammers 1

Match verdict by Hughie Southon

Well, that was a whole lot better as the Irons maintained their ability to produce good performances  against the better teams.

They got off to the worse possible start with a Newcastle goal ruled out by VAR before conceding 11 seconds later via a ball straight through our “defence” for Callum Wilson to score.

It was one of those serious “here we go again” moments but although Newcastle smashed forward for a further 15 minutes the Hammers grew into the game and an indeed bossed it at the end of the half after equalising  through a 32nd minute goal from Luis Paqueta from a well taken corner.

The celebration was massive from a man who is looking better and better in claret and blue and whose body language is exuding more and more confidence

Declan Rice was immense and at the back as Newcastle thundered forward time and again in the second period when Nayef Aguerd was incredible – making one amazing intervention inside the penalty area as Wilson shaped to score what looked a certain goal.

He marshalled a defence brilliantly but make no mistake Oggy – despite his age – is looking as good as ever and maybe worth another contract. Yes I mean that,

Declan said afterwards that we are in a position where we need points from every game and this one truly was massive.

He added they were really looking forward to the game against Chelsea and it is now clear the confidence is growing.

So fair play to the manager and squad after much criticism from us and elsewhere – this was far, far better.

So it is now Chelsea and the Spuds …bring it on!