HERNANDEZ TEARS GRIM TOON APART
MANUEL PELLEGRINI claimed his “brave” gamble on Javier Hernandez helped West
Ham turn in “the complete performance”.
The Hammers boss went for broke, pairing Hernandez and Marco Arnautovic up front, with maurauding Filipe Anderson, wide on the left, also causing havoc.
And the trio rampaged through Newcastle’s exposed defence to end the Geordies’ four-game unbeaten run.
Hernandez scored in each half and £45million star man Anderson ran United ragged, netting in injury time.
Pellerini said: “I like to play two strikers. Maybe I was scared to do it after West Ham had won once here in 19 years or something! But it worked.
“Review his career – he has played for Man United, Real Madrid, Mexico, Leverkusen. He scores goals. A career that is for big teams and offers something different. I hope he can continue this way.
“Earlier this season he has a virus for five weeks. He couldn’t work. He came from the World Cup, had a virus, then came back and has been playing 50-55 minutes for us. Now he is in good shape.
“I like his partnership with Arnautovic. He is a striker and scores. We have not played badly recently but needed more goals.
“As for Filipe, he played well also. He needs to learn the Premier League.”
Newcastle fans planned an 11th-minute “walk-in” to protest at Mike Ashley’s regime, with limited success.
There were small gaps in the stands at kick off – but there was a huge moment as the clock stuck 3.11pm.
It was Newcastle’s defence that looked to have walked out as Hernandez opened the scoring.
Robert Snodgrass broke on the right wing to cross for Hernandez who sprung the offside trap and finished ruthlessly.
At that very moment a few hundred home fans walked in, which was noticeable. There were boos echoing around the stadium – perhaps at the goal but possibly aimed at the protesters.
Fans who stayed in the concourse waiting to walk in found the club had switched off the TVs at the bars.
The chances of a home point were also switched off after 64 minutes when Hernandez grabbed his second. He could have had even more.
Newcastle were ragged at the back as they pushed forward to level. Arnautovic flicked on Declan Rice’s hook forward to leave the defence flat footed. Hernandez advanced and lashed past Martin Dubravka.
The outstanding Anderson then topped a superb individual show with a goal of his own in injury time.
He slipped past DeAndre Yedlin and finished at the near post.
With 11 minutes to go, Newcastle fans were heading for the exits.
Newcastle 0 West Ham 3 Simon Bird