EDDIE HAS A POINT
Wembley in the bag and 16 games unbeaten, so Toon boss keeps the draw in perspective
NEWCASTLE 1
Wilson 3
WEST HAM 1
Paqueta 32 EVEN Eddie Howe seemed uncertain how to react to another stalemate.
Glass half empty or glass half full? The Newcastle boss posed the question, but could not come up with a definitive answer.
“Because of our form this season, these type of games feel like defeats,” said the Toon chief (right).
“But when you’re in my shoes, it’s important to see the bigger perspective and make sure the players don’t overreact to what is a point.
“People might say it’s a disappointment, but it depends on what context you’re looking at it in.
“You can see it as four draws out of five or 16 games unbeaten. I like to be realistic and not rose-tint it, but I can’t criticise my players and while we wanted to win, it’s still been a positive week for us.”
What made Saturday’s result so frustrating for Newcastle was that they could not build on a dream start.
They had threatened to blow away a West Ham team who looked shell-shocked when Callum Wilson fired the hosts into a thirdminute lead, and this after Joe Willock had a goal ruled out just 37 seconds after the kick-off.
Bruno Guimaraes’ absence was a key factor, but for all the Toon’s defensive excellence, goalscoring has become a problem.
They are missing more than they are converting these days,
But perhaps of more concern is that opponents are now coming to St James’ Park with a safety-first gameplan and the Magpies lack the wit and guile to break down stubborn backlines.
Right-back Kieran Trippier remains their most profitable supply line and despite Sean Longstaff ’s excellent pass for Wilson’s goal, they invariably lose their way when confronted by massed ranks of defiant defenders.
While Allan Saint-maximin did not make the impact he would have wanted on his first start since August, that was offset by an encouraging cameo by £45million debutant Anthony Gordon, who replaced the Frenchman in the 69th minute and immediately sparked his team-mates into life with his energy.
With a full week’s training ahead of him, it would be no surprise if Gordon starts at Bournemouth on Saturday – probably at the expense of Saint-maximin.
The Hammers thoroughly deserved their point even if they were relieved to hear the final whistle. If their glass was almost empty a few weeks ago, it is gradually filling up.
Results at Everton and Wolves meant David Moyes’ men ended the day in a worse position than they had started it, but after a display oozing character and resolve, it certainly did not feel that way.
Between the 10th minute and the hour mark, they were the more accomplished side with Declan Rice producing a true captain’s display in the middle of the park and Moroccan World Cup star Nayef Aguerd bolting down the back door.
“We’re not enjoying being where we are and not playing as well as we’d like,” said Moyes.
“But if I was a supporter, I’d have enjoyed that.
“We could have buckled conceding so early on, but we didn’t panic, showed a bit of spirit and overall gave one of our best performances this season.”
It was impossible to argue with that.