Newcastle v West Ham Player Ratings
Gonzo hands out the marks
Fabianski:6 Clearly under instruction to hoof the ball upfield which resulted in numerous Newcastle attacks. Made a comfortable save from Wilson which was straight at him.
Kehrer:4 Should have done better for the first goal. Impressed with a couple of very good 50/50 challenges but ultimately struggled.
Ogbonna:7 Outpaced for Wilson’s opener. Given a really tough test by a very quick Newcastle side. Recovered well with some commanding headers and interceptions.
Coufal:7 Defended with tenacity and concentration. One of the few players who didn’t wilt under the early Newcastle onslaught. A tough day at the office and was dribbled past on numerous occasions. Good freekick delivery which Aguerd headed over.
Emerson:7 Nutmegged early in the game but fortunately the subsequent goal was ruled out by VAR. Given a torrid time as West Ham retreated further back. Not too bad in possession and produced some good driving runs.
Rice:9 Tried his absolute hardest against swarm after swarm of Newcastle attacks. Looked every inch an international player. Outstanding.
Paqueta:8 Lost possession in midfield as Newcastle scored their opener. Had a good chance and forced a corner and scored from the resulting delivery. Performed remarkably well given the pace of the game.
Bowen:6 Always up against two men and unable to impact proceedings in the first half. Picked up a knock but battled on.
Benrahma:5 Missed West Ham’s best chance of the half following good work from Antonio & Rice. Missed a string of key passes and made poor decisions.
Antonio:6 Fit and firing. Was a little shell-shocked by Newcastle’s rapid start but battled well.
Johnson:7 Half-time substitution for Kehrer and immediately made a clearance. Instant improvement.
Fornals: 73rd min sub for Benrahma.
Soucek: Came on to replace Lucas Paqueta.
Danny Ings: On for the last 10 mins to replace Michail Antonio.
Downes: 90th min sub to waste some precious time.