West Ham player ratings vs Newcastle: Aaron Wan-Bissaka electric as Carlos Soler proves point in vital win
West Ham earned a crucial win to ease the pressure on manager Julen Lopetegui as they beat Newcastle 2-0 away from home.
Tomas Soucek gave the Hammers a half-time lead at St James’ Park when he planted home a header from Emerson’s cross.
Victory was then secured in the second half when Aaron Wan-Bissaka scored via the post.
Dom Smith was on hand to rate the West Ham players’ performances on Tyneside…
Lukasz Fabianski 7
One fine save from Anthony Gordon and decisive when coming out to punch clear.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 8
What a performance. Scored his first goal for the club and was electric up and down the right flank all night.
Max Kilman 6
Steady display from the former Wolves man, including a number of useful blocks.
Jean-Clair Todibo 6
Made a hash of one clearance, but otherwise one of the Frenchman’s better displays since he signed.
Emerson 7
Assist for Soucek’s header was a delightful forward delivery. Replaced on 75 minutes after a strong outing.
Tomas Soucek 7
So often steps up. Fine header, and a busy performance in midfield.
Missed one chance in the first half. Denied by Nick Pope from a free-kick in the second. Bright.
Lucas Paqueta 7
Won the ball back crucially for Wan-Bissaka’s goal and played some excellent forward passes to help his side out of trouble.
Jarrod Bowen 7
Lively throughout, assisting Wan-Bissaka’s goal and always playing forward.
Michail Antonio 7
Always puts himself out and did so again with a tireless shift that featured excellent hold-up play.
Crysencio Summerville 6
Frustrating night when the new recruit just couldn’t get into the game.
Subs
Konstantinos Mavropanos (Todibo, 56’) 5
Awful defensive position saw him almost concede a second-half penalty for getting a little too handsy with Callum Wilson as a cross flew in towards the Newcastle frontman.
Vladimir Coufal (Emerson, 75’) N/A
Danny Ings (Antonio, 75’) N/A
Guido Rodriguez (Soler, 84’) N/A
Andy Irving (Summerville, 84’) N/A
Not used: Areola, Cresswell, Guilherme, Scarles