‘And breathe…’. That was Newcastle United fans’ reaction as Kevin Friend blew for full time.
Despite being in a commanding position, the Magpies needed a late winner from Joe Willock to secure a vital three points against West Ham.
Steve Bruce’s side went into half-time 2-0 up, with West Ham down to 10 men.
Allan Saint-Maximin’s solo run forced an own goal from Issa Diop, before Craig Dawson received a second yellow card for a foul on Joelinton in the build-up.
Newcastle made it 2-0 before half-time, as Joelinton pounced on a rare mistake from Lukasz Fabianski.
But despite playing the entire second half against 10 men, the Magpies nearly threw away victory.
Diop’s header got one back for the Hammers, before Jesse Lingard equalised from the spot.
The Hammers had dominated the second half, despite having a man less.
Newcastle weren’t to be denied though. After losing their two-goal advantage, Joe Willock came off the bench to put Newcastle in front once again and secure a vital three points.
The result moves Newcastle up to 15th place, and nine points clear of Fulham.
It was a nervous affair that Isaac Hayden summed up perfectly on Twitter following the game.
The Toon midfielder, who is currently injured, now knows what it is like for fans.
It was a typical Newcastle performance. Bruce’s side didn’t make things easy for themselves, despite being in control.
But while the second half was disappointing, Newcastle still ended the game victorious.
It was a huge goal by Willock, and one that gives the Magpies a huge boost in their pursuit of survival.
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