The new Magpies – prove on the money
made an instant impact when he fired in a shot from a tight angle within seconds, but Hendrick’s block on the line prevented an equaliser.
West Ham stars surrounded the referee in the hope of a penalty but Newcastle escaped a close call.
Home players then squabbled with each other when Ogbonna rolled the ball out of play with Isaac Hayden in need of treatment.
A sumptuous pass down the right from Hendrick found Manquillo again on 74 minutes, but Wilson was just beaten to the ball by Fabianski before Saint-maximin lashed over the bar.
Bruce then made his first change when he took Saint-maximin off for Brazilian striker Joelinton.
There were hearts in mouths on the United bench when Yarmolenko hit one wide with 11 minutes to go but a poor finish kept
■ Newcastle United’s Jeff Hendrick (right) celebrates scoring his side’s second goal of the game with team-mate Andy Carroll the Magpies ahead going into the closing stages.
On 83 minutes, Darlow needed to be at his brilliant best to clutch on to Haller effort at the back post, but again he held firm.
United then made a second change when Wilson was replaced by Miguel Almiron for the last six minutes plus stoppage time.
Almiron didn’t take long to make an impact when he rolled a lovely ball to Hendrick across the penalty area.
The Ireland midfielder poised himself before hammering it past Fabianski to double the lead in the capital.
United could have added gloss late on when Almiron’s effort, after a good bursting run, was deflected wide.
But the win not only started the season in style it ended a wretched run of opening day results with the first victory at this stage since 2012.
■ Callum Wilson of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring