Newcastle United were finally off and running in the Premier League, as they trounced a sorry West Ham United side 3-0, at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
After a scrappy start to the game, it was the home team that broke the deadlock, as summer recruit Joselu scored his first goal for the club on his first league start for Newcastle, in the 37th minute. And the Magpies doubled their lead in the 72nd minute, as Ciaran Clark bundled a Matt Ritchie cross into the net, via the post. Substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic put the result to bed, finding the back of an empty net after rounding past Joe Hart to make it 3-0.
It was a brilliant performance from the Magpies, especially in the second period, as they finally registered their first points of the season. Here’s how the Newcastle players fared on the day;
Rob Elliot – 6/10
Made a fine save to deny Aaron Cresswell. Had little to do apart from that. Distribution was decent.
Javi Manquillo – 7/10
Solid at the back and offered good energy going forward, even if it was a little restricted at times.
Jamaal Lascelles – 7.5/10
Marshalled his troops well and did not have a lot to do, given West Ham offered very little in the attacking sense.
Ciaran Clark – 8/10
Off the line clearance to keep Chicharito out. Unmarked and made no mistake to put his team two ahead.
Chancel Mbemba – 8/10
Offered great solidity to the side in an unnatural left-back position. And also got forward very well on a number of occasions.
Matt Ritchie – 9/10
Put in a shift down the right side. Denied by Joe Hart after a fine run from the right-side. Created the second goal for his team, winning the ball, before putting in a peach of a cross for Clark. Deserved a goal.
Mikel Merino – 8.5/10
Excellent. Ran the show from the middle of the park, alongside Hayden. Some delectable passes, occasional surges forward and solidity.
Isaac Hayden – 8/10
Fired a fierce shot just over the bar early on. Struck up a fine partnership with Merino, offering great energy and drive from the midfield for Newcastle. Seemed to pick an ankle injury late on.
Christian Atsu – 7.5/10
Squared the ball brilliantly for Joselu for the opener. Ran himself to the ground and always had the beating of Pablo Zabaleta down the left-flank.
Ayoze Perez – 8.5/10
Forced a stop from Joe Hart early in the second-half. Looked bright, held up the ball well. Great assist for the third goal.
Joselu – 7.5/10
Scored the club’s first Premier League goal, with the simplest of tap-ins. Led the line very well, but grew visibly tired with time.
Substitutes
Aleksandar Mitrovic – 7/10
Replaced Joselu with less than 20 minutes left to play. Lucky not to be sent off. Denied by Hart late in the game, but beat the Englishman soon after to make it 3-0.
Mo Diame – NA
Came on for Hayden in the 82nd minute.
Jacob Murphy – NA
Replaced Ritchie for the final few minutes.