Tomas Soucek headed his second goal of the season as West Ham took a surprise 10th-minute lead at Newcastle in the Premier League on Monday.
Midfielder Soucek found space to score a powerful opener from Emerson Palmieri’s corner and boost the Hammers’ hopes of their first away win since August 24.
“It is the perfect set-piece,” former England defender Andy Hinchcliffe told Sky Sports. “It’s an outswinger but it’s not moving away from goal too much.
“Nobody is anywhere near him. You’re going to pay a big price if you leave a player of his quality in the air unmarked. It’s awful marking from Newcastle.”
Tomáš Souček’s bullet header gives West Ham the lead! 💥 pic.twitter.com/GwGfrxC4Lp
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 25, 2024
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Soucek goal gives West Ham lead
Newcastle, who were seeking a fourth consecutive win in all competitions, thought they had taken the lead five minutes earlier, only for Alexander Isak’s finish to be ruled out for offside.
The Magpies had plenty of chances during an intense first half, with Isak, Anthony Gordon and Joe Willock among those failing to capitalise on clear sights of goal.
Eddie Howe’s side had 10 of the 16 attempts between the teams before the break but could not find a way past goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who was in fine form when required.
Victory would send the hosts sixth above Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Villa and a point behind Chelsea, Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion.
An electric end-to-end half ends with our Hammers going into the break 1⃣ up 👏 pic.twitter.com/Kv7G6NVVup
— West Ham United (@WestHam) November 25, 2024
West Ham results
West Ham arrived on a less convincing run of results, including three goal defeats at Tottenham and Nottingham Forest in their preceding away games.
Only a win by at least five goals would allow them to leapfrog Bournemouth immediately above them in 13th, but a win would move the visitors six points above the relegation zone.
Jarrod Bowen showed his willingness to shoot during the first half, perhaps inspired by the goal that put his side 3-1 up after 48 minutes at St James’ Park in 2023/24.
On that occasion, Newcastle scored three times after the 76th minute – including two inside the closing eight minutes by Harvey Barnes – to secure a dramatic 4-3 comeback win.
