Mohammed Kudus’ fine late strike helped West Ham United to a point in a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United at London’s Olympic Stadium on Sunday.
Alexander Isak scored twice to give Newcastle a comeback lead following Tomas Soucek’s West Ham opener.
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Both teams had won in European competition earlier this week, but the Magpies and Irons will feel differently about Sunday’s draw.
Newcastle had 66% of the ball and out-attempted West Ham 10-5, but Isak nearly had a hat trick and the Magpies will feel they had so many more chances to earn all of the points.
West Ham stays one point above the eighth place Magpies. The Irons’ 14 points will head into the international break just three back of the top four.
Magpies maddened by Moyes’ muddle
David Moyes’ West Ham is a special brand of infuriating effectiveness.
The Irons have world-class players like Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus who can do things few others can claim.
But that has not changed what Moyes’ demands from his men, who pack it in — especially with a lead — and sit waiting to counter attack.
The commitment that Moyes has earned from his players, however, has led to world-class talents that are equal parts dedicated to a system and frothing when unleashed on the counter.
Would West Ham be a lot more fun to watch under a lot of other managers? Yeah, but so far they are absolutely bucking the odds and the numbers.
And that Kudus goal, wow.
What’s next?
Newcastle hosts Crystal Palace after the international break, a 10am ET Saturday Oct. 21 affair. West Ham goes to Aston Villa a day later for an 11:30am ET kickoff.
West Ham vs Newcastle final score: 2-2
Goal: Soucek (9'), Isak (57', 61'), Kudus (88')
West Ham vs Newcastle player ratings
West Ham vs Newcastle player ratings (fotmob.com)
West Ham vs Newcastle player ratings (fotmob.com)
Mohammed Kudus goal: Left-footed rip delivers deadlock
It’s level, as Irons sub Mohammed Kudus has a little room and uses it.
Kudus’ first Premier League goal is a terrific left-footed strike past Pope and West Ham may well grab a point.
Should be plenty of stoppage time, though.
Alexander Isak goal: Brace completed, visitors in front
A diagonal ball finds Kieran Trippier outside the back post, and one of the league’s best crossers knows what to do with good service.
It’s a volleyed pass into the heart of the area, where Isak finishes for his sixth goal of the Premier League season.
Only Erling Haaland (8) has more, as Isak joins Heung-min Son in a tie for second.
More important for Isak: His team leads 2-1.
Alexander Isak goal: Newcastle level off set piece
A lengthy VAR check can’t spot an offside, and Newcastle’s level.
Alexander Isak is the scorer after a long Kieran Trippier free kick is nodded back to the Swedish striker.
It’s not an easy finish, but Isak is elite in that area. 1-1.
West Ham vs Newcastle halftime analysis
Not to scapegoat, but Nick Pope’s indecision — and Emerson’s calm in the box — has allowed West Ham to be extra compact at the back and to counter with even more vigor once things open in its favor.
Newcastle has 71% possession and has taken three of the game’s four shots but that fourth one was a high-percentage finish from Tomas Soucek.
West Ham has just 88 completed passes but that doesn’t matter much as the Irons — again — are defying logic and hold a lead.
Tomas Soucek goal video: Nick Pope out to lunch
West Ham has had only 17% of the ball, but they now have the lead.
Lucas Paqueta picks out a marauding Emerson with a ball into the box, and Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope cannot figure out his plans.
Emerson says, ‘Okay then,’ and carries before cutting back to a point-blank Tomas Soucek for a simple finish.
1-0 to the hosts.
How to watch West Ham vs Newcastle live, stream link, time
Kickoff: 9am ET, Sunday (Oct. 8)
TV channel: USA Network
Online: Watch via NBCSports.com
West Ham lineup
Team news in ✅ pic.twitter.com/WUsl8fmdqS
— West Ham United (@WestHam) October 8, 2023
Newcastle United lineup
HOWAY NEWCASTLE! 💪#WHUNEW pic.twitter.com/dnvS9j9KcT
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 8, 2023
Focus on West Ham, injury news
OUT: Aaron Cresswell (hamstring), Benjamin Johnson (groin) | QUESTIONABLE: Michail Antonio (groin)
Focus on Newcastle, injury news
OUT: Sven Botman (knee), Anthony Gordon (suspension), Joe Willock (thigh), Harvey Barnes (foot) | QUESTIONABLE: Callum Wilson (hamstring), Joelinton (thigh)
