EPL: Newcastle strike huge blow to West Ham Champions League dream

Newcastle United closed on Premier League survival after winning a five-goal thriller with West Ham at St James’ Park – and dented the visitors’ hopes of playing in the Champions League next season on Saturday afternoon.

The pivotal moment came shortly after the half hour. Issa Diop bundled into his own net after good work from Allan Saint-Maximin, with Craig Dawson then sent off for a second yellow card after committing a foul in the build-up.

Despite a late comeback, Newcastle take the points.#NEWWHU

— West Ham United (@WestHam) April 17, 2021

Five minutes later it was 2-0. Lukasz Fabianski made a mess of catching the ball from a corner, it slipped through his fingers and landed at the feet of Joelinton, who made no mistake and tapped home.

In the second half, West Ham forced Newcastle back and eventually grabbed a goal through Diop, who latched on to a Jarrod Bowen clipped cross and headed the ball past Martin Dubravka.

The game then took another twist as Ciaran Clark gave away a penalty, after a lengthy VAR and on-field check by Kevin Friend. Up stepped Jesse Lingard, who smashed the ball into the back of the net.

BACK-TO-BACK WINS FOR THE MAGPIES! 🙌

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 17, 2021

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But the Hammers could not hold onto the point as substitute Joe Willock proved his worth, heading in to send the Magpies nine points clear of the relegation zone.

Next up for Steve Bruce’s is a tough away trip to Liverpool while David Moyes’ team make the trip from east to west London to take on Chelsea, who are also vying for a Champions League spot.