West Ham United celebrated a much-needed victory at the London Stadium on Sunday, November 2, 2025, as they defeated Newcastle United 3-1 to end a lengthy home winless streak. The Hammers broke their nine-game winless run at home, which stretched back to February, with a spirited performance that lifted the mood around the club.

#### **Early Blow for West Ham**
The match began on a sour note for West Ham when Newcastle's Jacob Murphy fired in a stunning fourth-minute opener from outside the box. Just moments earlier, Jarrod Bowen had struck the post for the hosts, adding to the early sense of frustration for the home side. However, this momentary setback did not deter West Ham, who regrouped and showed strong signs of fighting spirit.

#### **Paqueta Levels the Score**
Lucas Paqueta was the key figure in West Ham's turnaround. His long-range strike in the 35th minute found the back of the net, beating Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope to restore parity. The goal lifted the home side's confidence, setting the stage for a dramatic first-half finish.

#### **Botman's Own Goal**
The turning point of the game came in first-half stoppage time when Sven Botman inadvertently diverted Aaron Wan-Bissaka's low cross into his own net. This own goal completed West Ham's comeback and gave them a crucial lead going into halftime.

#### **Soucek Seals the Win**
Substitute Tomas Soucek sealed the victory in the final moments of the game. His close-range finish, following a squirmed shot by Bowen that slipped past Pope, added the third goal and ensured a emphatic 3-1 win for West Ham. This late goal was a testament to the team's resolve and determination to secure all three points.

#### **Match Analysis**
- **West Ham:** The Hammers' performance was a step in the right direction under Nuno Espírito Santo. Their resilience and ability to bounce back from conceding early were key factors in the victory. The match marked their second win of the season and the first under Santo, providing much-needed confidence.
- **Newcastle:** The Magpies, despite a promising start, faded in the second half. Eddie Howe's team mustered only one shot on target after the interval, showcasing a lack of dynamism and energy. The defeat was Newcastle's eighth away game without a win in the Premier League, adding to their growing concerns.

#### **Player Performances**
- **Player of the Match:** Lucas Paqueta, whose long-range goal set the tone for West Ham's recovery.
- **Notable Performances:** Nick Pope, though he made several saves, conceded crucial goals that proved decisive for West Ham.

#### **Post-Match Reactions**
- **Nuno Espírito Santo (West Ham Manager):** "We should all be proud of the way we responded. After conceding early, the boys showed great character to turn the game around. This win is vital for our morale and sets us up for the week ahead."
- **Eddie Howe (Newcastle Manager):** "We were unrecognizable today. The energy and physicality we usually bring to our performances were missing. It was a disappointing performance, and it's clear we need to reflect on our away form."

#### **Impact on the Table**
The victory moved West Ham above Nottingham Forest into 18th place, reducing their gap to safety to just three points. Newcastle, despite their early lead, remained in 13th place, with the defeat being their third consecutive away loss.

#### **Post-Match Atmosphere**
Despite a pre-planned protest by a small group of West Ham fans against the club's ownership, the overall mood was positive as the majority celebrated the overdue home win at the London Stadium.

#### **Looking Ahead**
The win provides a much-needed boost for West Ham ahead of their next Premier League match. Nuno Espírito Santo emphasized the importance of building on this momentum to transform the London Stadium into a fortress for the Hammers.

This victory was a crucial step for West Ham, offering hope and renewed confidence for fans and players alike. As the club continues its battle against relegation, the fightback spirit displayed against Newcastle could be the turning point they needed.