West Ham United 3-1 Newcastle United
Premier League, London Stadium, Sunday 2 November 2025, 2pm GMT
For the first time in 248 days, West Ham United won a Premier League match at London Stadium.
For the first time in 540 days, West Ham United came from behind to win a Premier League match anywhere.
Those are just two of the many reasons to celebrate Nuno Espírito Santo’s first victory as West Ham United’s Head Coach.
At long last, the Claret and Blue Army, players, Nuno and his staff were able to punch the air and smile at the final whistle.
It was the result and performance Nuno demanded and got from his team, who gave absolutely everything to take all three points from a 3-1 victory over Newcastle United.
From the outstanding Alphonse Areola in goal, through the solid defence in front of him, to the energetic three-man midfield of Academy graduate Freddie Potts, fellow youngster Mateus Fernandes and goalscorer Lucas Paquetá, and the hard-working trio of captain Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville and Callum Wilson in attack, to the substitutes who saw the game through, this was victory won by teamwork and togetherness.
West Ham edged an entertaining first half, albeit they had goalkeeper Areola and Newcastle defender Sven Botman to thank in part for the 2-1 half-time lead.
The home side could have been forgiven for thinking it was not our day – again – when Jacob Murphy shot Newcastle in front inside four minutes, just 30 seconds after Jarrod Bowen had rattled the frame of the goal at the other end.
And the Irons’ sense of frustration continued to grow, first when Nick Pope saved from Callum Wilson, then further when referee Robert Jones initially awarded a penalty for Malick Thiaw’s challenge on Bowen, only to reverse his decision after being called to the pitchside screen by VAR Paul Howard. In fairness, Thiaw did get a toe to the ball before making contact with the West Ham captain.
Both goalkeepers were called into action regularly thereafter. Areola scrambled Murphy’s shot out for a corner before Pope palmed Paquetá’s low free-kick onto the outside of his far post, then tipped Maximilian Kilman’s header over the crossbar.
Ten minutes before half-time, West Ham’s resilience and endeavour were rewarded with an equaliser. Pope punched Summerville’s deflected cross out as far as Fernandes, who headed square for Paquetá and the Brazilian a 25-yard shot into the bottom left-hand corner.
Newcastle responded and it took a superb diving one-handed save from Areola to divert Gordon’s powerful shot past the post, and another to do likewise to Joelinton’s curler. In between, Murphy shot over from range.
West Ham finished the half on top and, after Summerville had tested Pope, went in front in slightly fortuitous fashion when Wan-Bissaka raced forward and aimed a low cross for Wilson that a sliding Botman poked past his wrongfooted goalkeeper into the net.
As so often happens, the start of the second half lacked the intensity of the first. Newcastle controlled possession and territory, but West Ham stood firm defensively, at least until a mix-up led to Murphy driving wide on 64 minutes.
Perhaps given the wake-up call they needed, the Hammers raised themselves again and repeatedly went close to doubling the lead.
Pope made two reaction saves to keep out Paquetá’s free-kick and Kilman’s header, then Potts saw his emphatic finish ruled out for offside against substitute Tomáš Souček in the build-up. A replay showed the tip of the Czech’s right big toe was all that separated the Hammers from a third goal.
Nuno sent on Kyle Walker-Peters and debutant Igor Jesus to reinforce his defence. There was just one moment of real concern, but Areola again stood firm to hold William Osula’s header.
And victory was confirmed in the tenth minute of added time when Bowen’s shot squirmed through Pope’s legs and Souček followed up to thump home from three yards.
On the touchline, Nuno embraced his staff, before marching onto the pitch to do likewise with his players. The long wait for a home win is finally over.
West Ham United: Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Kilman, Todibo, Diouf, Potts, Fernandes (Igor 85), Paquetá, Bowen ©, Summerville (Walker-Peters 79), Wilson (Souček 61)
Subs not used: Hermansen (GK), Mayers, Rodríguez, Magassa, Irving, Luis Guilherme
Goals: Paquetá 35, Botman 45+5 (OG), Souček 90+7
Booked: Paquetá
Newcastle United: Pope, Krafth (Schär HT), Thiaw, Botman (Barnes 65), Burn, Guimarães ©, Tonali, Joelinton, Murphy (Elanga 77), Gordon (Ramsey HT), Woltemade (Osula HT)
Subs not used: Ramsdale (GK), Hall, Willock, Miley
Goal: Murphy 4
Booked: Guimarães, Murphy
Referee: Rob Jones
Attendance: 62,441
