West Ham lost 4-3 against Newcastle United in a thrilling Premier League game on Saturday (30 March) at St James’ Park.
David Moyes was left frustrated by the manner of the defeat, although the Hammers boss did point out some of the decisions had gone against them.
Newcastle took an early lead through Alexander Isak who scored from the spot. Tony Cottee suggested that Anthony Gordon came from an offside position before the challenge was made, but the penalty decision was given after a lengthy VAR check.
West Ham responded sharply with Michail Antonio restoring parity after Lucas Paqueta crafted a beautiful lofted pass for him. Towards the end of the first half, Mohammed Kudus added another, taking advantage of some sloppy defending from the Magpies.
After the break, Jarrod Bowen increased the lead, and at that point, it looked like the Hammers have settled the tie comfortably. Isak pulled one back from the spot-kick which looked like a controversial decision. Harvey Barnes scored twice after coming from the bench to seal all three points for the home side.
In the 72nd minute, when the scoreline was 3-2, Gordon played out a brilliant cross which was timely connected for Barnes. Lukasz Fabianski made a terrific save, and earned rich praise from Lee Hendrie, who was co-commenting on the game for Premier League world feed coverage.
Lee Hendrie drools over West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski
“Watch this save from Fabinaski. He has only come at half-time. He hasn’t had much to do. That was a world-class save,” said Hendrie, who also works as a pundit for Sky Sports.
The 38-year-old goalkeeper has proved to be one of the top signings in West Ham’s history. He joined the club in the summer of 2018 and has made over 190 appearances.
He was the first-choice goalkeeper in all these years but has lost his place to Alphonse Areola this season. The veteran goalkeeper has made six appearances in the Premier League so far, and he proved once again why he is so reliable even at this age.
West Ham have every right to be frustrated with the two contentious penalties, but they allowed the Magpies to come back into the game. After Bowen’s goal, Moyes took off Antonio and brought in Kalvin Phillips, a decision that completely backfired.
