Newcastle vs West Ham Analysis | Premier League 2024/25

The Newcastle vs West Ham clash promised an intense tactical battle, with Eddie Howe’s high-pressing Newcastle facing Julen Lopetegui’s compact and counter-attacking West Ham. Newcastle entered the game with a high-intensity 4-3-3 formation, relying on overlapping full-backs with Livramento and Hall and wide play from Gordon and Joelinton. Meanwhile, West Ham’s 4-1-4-1 aimed to frustrate Newcastle with defensive solidity, compactness and quick counters.

First-Half Overview

From the first whistle, Newcastle pushed high up the pitch, pressing aggressively to control possession. Their strategy leaned heavily on crosses into the box, with Lewis Hall and ValentinoLivramento often overlapping. Livramento was practically a winger, exploiting the wide space created by West Ham’s compact midfield.

In the 5th minute, Alexander Isak thought he had opened the scoring after a deep ball from Hall, but he was flagged offside as Max Kilman stepped in just in time. Newcastle continued to dominate, forcing West Ham to stay organized defensively.

West Ham struck first in the 10th minute through a corner from Emerson. Tomás Souček, unmarked at the penalty spot, headed home with ease, showcasing West Ham’s clinical efficiency.

Newcastle’s response was relentless. Joelinton whipped in a dangerous cross in the 15th minute, and Joe Willock came close to equalizing, but his shot narrowly missed the target. Despite their 55% possession in the first half, Newcastle struggled to break through West Ham’s compact block.

West Ham’s best move came in the 23rd minute with a stunning one-touch combination involving Carlos Soler, Paquetá, and Jarrod Bowen, leading to a shot from Soler that went just over the bar. The half ended 0-1 in West Ham’s favor, despite Newcastle’s 1.14 xG compared to West Ham’s 0.21 xG.

Second-Half Action

Newcastle began the second half with renewed energy, pressing high once more. Harvey Barnes replaced Willock, moving Joelinton into midfield and adding more pace on the left wing. Despite their energy, West Ham doubled their lead in the 53rd minute. Bowen drove down the right, delivering a perfectly timed pass to an inverted Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who slotted the ball into the far corner.

Substitutions brought fresh legs to both sides, but Newcastle began to show signs of fatigue from their high-pressing game. Sandro Tonali came on for Sean Longstaff, and Callum Wilson replaced Anthony Gordon, but West Ham’s compact defense held firm and kept playing very concentrated.

In the 72nd minute, VAR reviewed a potential penalty for Newcastle when Mavropanos appeared to hold Wilson heavily in the box, but no foul was given. West Ham then brought on Vladimir Coufal and Danny Ings to solidify their structure and maintain control.

Newcastle threw everything forward in the closing minutes, but West Ham’s discipline and concentration ensured a clean sheet. The game ended 0-2 in favor of West Ham, a confirmation of their defensive organization and ability to take advantage of chances they created.

Key Stats

• xG: Newcastle 1.69 – 0.91 West Ham
• Possession: 52% – 48%
• Shots on Target: 2 – 6
• Final Third Entries: 67 – 48

Conclusion: Newcastle vs West Ham

The Newcastle vs West Ham game highlighted two contrasting approaches. Newcastle brought high pressure, crossing frequently and utilizing their full-backs as wingers. Despite their dominance in possession and final third entries, they couldn’t convert their chances and are now 4 points behind 4th placed Arsenal to reach a spot in the Champions League next season.

West Ham’s strategy of compact defending and quick counters paid off. Goals from Souček and Wan-Bissaka, combined with a resolute defensive performance, secured a crucial victory. Lopetegui’s tactical plan stifled Newcastle’s high-tempo play, proving that disciplined defense and clinical finishing often outweigh pure intensity.