Newcastle United

We asked for your views after the 3-1 win over West Ham United.

Here are some of your comments:

Phil: Howe has been very clever the past few games to build for the future with team selection and tactics. He's trusted the players that want to be at the club and it's paid off. The future looks a lot brighter and hopefully anyone that doesn't want to stay can leave quickly for a good price.

Richard: What was most important was that we signed off at St James' for the season in a positive manner. The team seemed to have a spring in their step and, although we had to have a mad 20 minutes as always, we were definitely the better side. They played with flair and creativity and, most importantly, got the ball forward rather than this dreadful square/backwards play that's haunted our season. Nick Woltemade looks a different player in the proper '10' role as well. I might even be looking forward to next season if we beat Fulham next week!

Simon: This was a great win and the determination was brilliant. All the goals were top-notch and from open play, so nothing to complain about. This is perhaps a glimpse of the future so lots of positives and I know if we play like we did on Sunday, we will definitely take all three points at Fulham.

Gordon: Great result but the nerves kicked in yet again when West Ham scored. Fortunately, this time we held on and took the three points deservedly. Thanks Kieran Trippier for your significant contribution over the years you wore the black-and-white shirt.

Chatnoir: Good win for Newcastle, but the horror of Sunderland finishing above Newcastle and being the only North East team in Europe next season is all too real now.

Eric: Against a poor West Ham side our performance was mediocre. Woltemade doesn't look like a Premier League player - poor touch, poor decision-making, no appetite to take a shot. Additions desperately needed from goalkeeper to striker if we're going to make any impression next season.

Ritchie: Square pegs in round holes - simple. Played well, but went to pieces after West Ham scored!

Anthony Gordon's future needs to be sorted "very quickly" to avoid another Alexander Isak saga this summer, says former Newcastle defender John Anderson.

Gordon has been linked with a move away from the Magpies and after head coach Eddie Howe hinted about the forward's departure this month, it is looking increasingly likely that he will exit once the season is over.

After last summer's transfer saga where striker Isak refused to rejoin the Newcastle squad for pre-season as he felt the club were "breaking promises" by not letting him join Liverpool, Anderson believes Newcastle will do better this time around.

"That was never, ever going to happen again; they were never going to allow that situation to arise again," Anderson told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"If Anthony Gordon wants to go, let him go. Get it done early, stop messing about and don't get ourselves into a situation last year where you're waiting and waiting and waiting and all of a sudden it happens at the last minute and you're chasing your tail trying to get players in.

"Is he going to be here next season? No, the answer to that question is no. He's going to be elsewhere, where that will be we do not know but it needs to be sorted out very quickly come the end of the season."

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• Leeds 1-0 Burnley

• Brentford 2-2 Crystal Palace

• Newcastle 3-1 West Ham

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

This felt like a celebration of the past as well as a glimpse of the future for Newcastle.

It was an afternoon when St James' Park bid farewell to stalwarts Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth, who are leaving the club following the expiry of their contracts this summer.

Trippier was saluted by the Wor Flags supporters' group before his final home game with a banner which fittingly read: "Forever a Newcastle United legend. Thank you for the memories."

Such was Trippier's impact, after swapping life in the Champions League with Atletico Madrid for an immediate relegation battle with Newcastle, in 2022, it is hard to think of a more transformational signing in the club's recent history.

However, this win will have also whetted the appetite of supporters for what's to come after a bruising domestic season.

Newcastle have struggled for goals following the painful departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer.

But Eddie Howe may have found a belated solution up front in William Osula, who has scored six goals in his last seven league games.

The red-hot Dane is in the form of his life and will not want this marathon season to end.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, speaking to BBC Sport: "It was a strong performance from us. I was really pleased with a lot of aspects of our game today.

"Our attitude to the game [allowed a fast start] - it would have been easy for people to look at this and say Newcastle had nothing to play for - but we have a duty to be at our very best and I'm pleased with how we went about it. We have a lot of players who play with pride and would never want to let the club down."

On Kieran Trippier: "Delighted for him personally. Knowing Kieran as well as I do now, he is brilliant on the pitch but it's off the pitch as well, the stabilising effect he has in the dressing room, positivity in difficult moments and the way he inspires the players - he's a really inspiring leader and, wherever he goes, the club will be very lucky."

Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "The most important thing today was the win, of course it was, we need to start getting wins fast. West Ham were fighting for different reasons. My last ever game at St James' Park, so it was emotional, especially more so now, my children were here and the supporters were fantastic.

"Like I do in every game since I joined the club I always try to do my best. it doesn't always happen, but I am an honest guy and player. The first half we did very well. Most games this season we have started the second half slowly but the most important thng was the three points."

On helping his former club Tottenham: "We beat West Ham but I don't want to get into any politics in that side. Whatever happens at the other end of the table happens."

On the reception he got from the fans: "Bruno [Guimaraes] was top. He's captain but he wanted me to lead the team out. It was a bit emotional before I walked out. My oldest son is 10 and he could see all the pictures of me on the other side [behind the goal], and he understands more. I had my three children with me and they all noticed the flags. You have to try to be professional and focus on the game at hand.

"I'd just like to thank the fans for everything they've done for me since I've been at the club. They supported me through good performances and bad performances, unbelievable people. A great city."

Did you know?

• Aged 22 years and 286 days, William Osula became the youngest player to score a brace for Newcastle United in a Premier League match since Kenedy against Southampton in March 2018 (22y 30d).

• William Osula has scored six goals in his last eight Premier League appearances, having scored just twice in his first 50 top-flight games before this for Sheffield United (none in 21 games) and Newcastle (two goals in 29 games) combined.

• Nick Woltemade scored his first Premier League goal since December against Chelsea, ending a run of 17 league appearances without a goal.

• Newcastle are unbeaten in their last 20 home Premier League games against sides starting the day in the relegation zone (W13 D7), since a 1-0 loss to West Brom back in April 2018, winning each of the last six in a row.

Whether you were at St James' Park or you were following the match from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned from Newcastle's performance.

Were you pleased to see the Magpies hold on to all three points? Does this result help to relieve some of the pressure on Eddie Howe?

Let us know your post-match thoughts here

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Kieran Trippier makes his final start for Newcastle United at St James' Park against relegation-threatened West Ham.

The defender, who is leaving the club this summer, following the expiry of his contract, has been recalled for Newcastle's last home game of the campaign.

Jacob Ramsey and Harvey Barnes also come back in as head coach Eddie Howe makes three changes to the side who drew at Nottingham Forest last week.

Newcastle starting XI: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Guimaraes, Tonali, Barnes, Woltemade, Ramsey, Osula

Subs: Ramsdale, Wissa, Gordon, Elanga, J.Murphy, Willock, Burn, A.Murphy, Neave

Callum Wilson lines up against his former club as West Ham make one change for today's crucial trip to Tyneside.

The striker replaces Valentin Castellanos in the starting line-up as he returns to St James' for the first time since leaving the club last summer.

West Ham can move out of the relegation zone with a win this evening.

West Ham starting XI: Hermansen, Todibo, Mavropanos, Disasi, Wan-Bissaka, Soucek, Fernandes, Diouf, Bowen, Wilson, Summerville

Subs: Areola, Walker-Peters, Kilman, Taty, Pablo, Magassa, Scarles, Potts, Kante

There are six games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Manchester United v Nottingham Forest (12:30)

• Brentford v Crystal Palace - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Everton v Sunderland

• Leeds v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Wolves v Fulham

• Newcastle v West Ham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-offs 15:00 unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Leeds v Brighton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v West Ham", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

I don't feel sorry for West Ham after their defeat by Arsenal last week.

It was a foul on Gunners goalkeeper David Raya for their goal which was disallowed, and the fact they are in the relegation zone is because of the way they have played all season.

Now this is an enormous game for the Hammers, and it is an absolutely 'must-win' for them.

Newcastle were very poor when they lost at London Stadium in November and you wouldn't say they are in much better form at the moment.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe realises the importance of finishing the season strongly for his own future, and I don't see his side losing this.

West Ham will be absolutely desperate to get the win, but I am going for a draw and, if anyone does win it, it will be Newcastle.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Sunday's match (17:30 GMT), with West Ham needing a win to move out of the relegation zone.

Newcastle's draw at Nottingham Forest last weekend followed a frustratingly familiar script. Harvey Barnes' 74th-minute strike put them ahead at the City Ground but former Magpie Elliot Anderson equalised with just two minutes remaining.

Eddie Howe's team have now dropped 27 points from winning positions this term, at least seven more than any other Premier League side, while their total of 20 goals conceded from the 75th minute onwards is also the highest figure in the top flight.

Magpies' mediocre home form

This is Newcastle's final home game of the season and it appears increasingly doubtful the Toon Army will see reported Bayern Munich target Anthony Gordon in a black and white shirt again. Howe admitted on Friday that the winger is not being picked "with a partial view to the future".

The head coach also stressed it is important Newcastle "finish the season with a positive feeling". Strong home form has been the foundation of the Magpies' improvement under Howe but there has been a noticeable drop-off in the current campaign.

They are averaging 1.61 points per game at St James' Park, comfortably lower than in any of his previous full seasons in charge, losing seven times. The last time they lost as many as eight league matches at St James' Park was in 2020-21, under Steve Bruce.

Wasteful finishing hurting Hammers

West Ham felt aggrieved that VAR denied them an equaliser in Sunday's 1-0 defeat by Arsenal, with the Hammers finishing empty handed in a game they could conceivably have won. Mateus Fernandes missed a golden chance to put his side ahead in the 78th minute, with his close-range shot saved by David Raya.

As a result, they trail relegation rivals Tottenham by two points with two games remaining. But with Spurs' match against Chelsea not until Tuesday, Nuno Espirito Santo's side can move out of the relegation zone – and pile pressure on their London rivals – with a win on Tyneside.

The Hammers' form has picked up notably in the second half of the season but they continue to find goals hard to come by, failing to score in four of their previous six league games.

That includes each of their past three away matches, during which they have attempted 31 shots, hitting the woodwork four times.

The last time West Ham failed to score in four consecutive away league fixtures was 11 years ago. Coincidentally, the fourth game in that streak was a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle in May 2015.

The Hammers have to win to guarantee their fate is settled on the final day. Otherwise a midweek victory for Spurs would end their 14-year stay in the top flight.

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Emil Krafth believes the future is "really bright" for Newcastle United as the defender's seven-year stay at the club comes to an end.

Newcastle have announced, as expected, that Krafth will be leaving when his contract expires this summer.

The Swede, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, will be given the chance to bid farewell to supporters at a half-time presentation during Sunday's game against West Ham at St James' Park.

"Newcastle is somewhere I've been really proud to call home," he said.

"I've had up and down moments on a personal level, and some difficult times with injury, but I've always felt such brilliant support from the fans, my team-mates, the coaching staff and everybody connected to the club.

"This is something I will remember forever and want to say a massive thank you for.

"It's been a privilege to wear the shirt and especially to play a part in a team that has managed to make history in the past few years. I believe the future is really bright for this club and I'll be following the journey closely and continuing to support from a distance."

Krafth is one of Newcastle's current longest-serving players and played an important role in helping them pull away from relegation danger after fellow right-back Kieran Trippier broke his foot in 2022.

He also featured in five of Newcastle's seven League Cup games, including the final win over Liverpool, as Eddie Howe's side ended a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy last season.

Although his game time has been limited by injury in recent years, Krafth has remained a valued figure around the training ground by Howe and his staff.

Howe said the 31-year-old "embodied what it means to be a Newcastle United player on and off the pitch".

"Emil can be really proud of everything he has achieved here," he added.

"He's been a big part of our success over the past few seasons and, although he's been unfortunate with injury of late, he's played a valuable role behind the scenes with his positive mentality and outstanding professionalism."

Image source, Getty Images

Kieran Trippier's impressive Newcastle career is coming to an end and Sunday will be his final match at St James' Park.

The right-back, who joined from Atletico Madrid in January 2022, is widely considered as one of the club's most important signings after playing a crucial role in their resurgence under Eddie Howe.

And for that reason, supporters are set to give the 35-year-old a proper farewell against West Ham in the final home game of the season.

"He's definitely deserving of the recognition," said Howe. "His actual decision to come here in the first place needs to be celebrated because he came from a team that was hugely successful in Spain to a team under renovation in the Premier League.

"Everyone said it was financially motivated initially, but I can tell you it wasn't. It was a host of reasons – only he can discuss them – but financial certainly wasn't one of them.

"He wanted to take the fight on, and I'm so pleased for him that it was rewarded. We stayed up and he's never looked back.

"The next season he played an unbelievable part in our run for the Champions League and was pivotal in the magnificent back four we had that year.

"That's probably my biggest memory of him, other than Carabao Cup final day when I thought he was magnificent.

"It was a gigantic performance, and he got the feeling of lifting the cup with Bruno Guimaraes and Jamaal Lascelles."

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe drove home the importance of "speed being key" before the transfer window even opened last summer.

But it ended up proving the most turbulent window in the club's recent history after Newcastle missed out on a host of first-choice targets, lost Alexander Isak to Liverpool and made the bulk of signings in the final weeks of the summer.

This upcoming window is not about to be straightforward, either, but Howe stressed on Friday it "has to be different" as he reiterated the importance of the club "moving quickly".

"You will find the best players that are available on the market won't hang around for too long," he said.

"The speed at which the transfer market moves now is very quick. Teams are very efficient and we have to be there as one of those teams."

Howe will at least be able to fall back on the support of sporting director Ross Wilson and chief executive David Hopkinson, which he feels will enable Newcastle to make quicker and smarter decisions, after the club operated without an executive structure last summer.

With doubts surrounding the futures of a number of key players, including Anthony Gordon, Newcastle are going to have to be clever to rebuild effectively, particularly without Champions League football or the superior wage bills of those sides at the top of the Premier League.

"We had Champions League football and finances last year, and it was still very difficult to attract the players that we wanted, who we felt could really make a difference to the team," Howe said.

"I certainly don't think that challenge is going to be easier – it's going to be harder – but the lure of Champions League football was not all-defining for us, so there's a balance to it."

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against West Ham at St James' Park (kick-off 17:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Lewis Hall has trained all week and is available, but Joelinton is a doubt because of a "slight thigh problem". He will be assessed again before Sunday's game.

• Howe confirmed Fabian Schar is unlikely to return this season and said "it is a real shame". On the defender being out of contract this summer, Howe added: "He's still got a lot to offer on the pitch. His quality is still there but he's had a difficult season. I will have discussions with him and his representatives in the next week."

• He described the final home game of the season as "massive" and "really important" because they need to "finish this season with a positive feeling".

• On putting a run together to finish on a high: "We're going in the right direction. We have to build momentum and confidence in what we're doing. The players will take this game, and the next, into the summer with them."

• He said they are "not blindly going from game to game with no thought of what's gone on" in recent months, but they have now got "an eye" on next season.

• More on looking ahead: "At this stage of the season, you've always got an eye on the future. We're going into a transfer window with a lot of unknowns for us. There will be a feeling of change this summer, I'm sure. We need to give players opportunities and try things for the future with a view for next season."

• Howe said had "no update" to give on Anthony Gordon's rumoured departure to Bayern Munich but again addressed why he hasn't played since returning from injury: "He's just come back and I think the team has played well in his absence. But it's with a partial view for the future, yes."

• He said they are "certainly not at the moment" looking for a striker in this summer window, but acknowledged "there's still work to do" to improve that department. He added: "We've got to bring it all together and try to make it work."

• On clubs like West Ham and Tottenham being in a relegation battle: "The beauty of this year's Premier League is that it has been very unpredictable. Big teams with big history have struggled, while some of the smaller clubs in name have done really well. I think that's down to multi-factors. It's a great thing for the Premier League."

• He said "he challenge is there for every club" and "you have to keep improving and evolving to stay with the competition" or you will find yourself near the bottom of the table.

Listen to Howe on BBC Sounds

Listen to live commentary of Newcastle vs West Ham on BBC Radio 5 Live from 17:30 BST on Sunday.

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Former Newcastle defender John Anderson believes some of the four summer signings made last year could be moved on when the next transfer window opens.

Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade, Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Elanga all joined Newcastle last summer, and have all yet to break into the first-team with regular game time.

So which of the new players will come good next season and who will be looking for another club?

"It's going to be an interesting summer," said Anderson. "Wissa possibly. I don't think he will get rid of Elanga or Ramsey.

"Ramsey is unfortunate because Howe is always going to go with Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes in the middle of the park," said Anderson. "Wissa we basically haven't seen because of the injuries he picked up.

"Woltemade had a great start to his time here, scored lots of goals, but then got moved from pillar-to-post being asked to play in midfield and upfront.

"They couldn't find a position for him, or find where they were going to play him regularly.

"I think you can see in Woltemade's body language that he's not happy because he's not in the regular side.

"I would think he is like the most likely."

• Is Newcastle's leaked kit "awful"? Listen here

Meanwhile, in a recent interview Eddie Howe said "the best is yet to come" from Elanga, who signed from Nottingham Forest as one of their key players.

"It hasn't really happened for him," added Anderson. "His strength is his pace - there's no doubt about it. He's exceptionally quick.

"He's come here and - I'm not making excuses for him - they weren't able to get into him on the training ground what they expect and like him to do.

"Howe says he expects to see the best of him next season so we all keep our fingers crossed that's going to be the case."

Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, 23, is set to leave the Riverside club if their defeat to Southampton in the Championship play-off semi-final stands, and Newcastle United could make a move for the English player. (Chronicle), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Newcastle defender Dan Burn says he has "built a lot of resilience" in his rise from non-league to the Champions League.

Burn had to work his way up to the top level, spending time at Blyth Spartans, Darlington, Yeovil Town, Birmingham City, Wigan and playing in the National League, League Two, League One, and the Championship before making his Premier League debut.

"I'm very proud of the journey I've taken," he told BBC Look North's Nisha Joshi at the launch of the 'One of Our Own', external initiative by the club and Newcastle City Council to mark Mental Health Awareness Week this week.

"I wouldn't have had it any other way. It's built a lot of resilience in me to show I can go through those levels.

"I feel the first half of my career was built on fear of not making it or letting people down. But, especially since having kids, I've settled a lot more and am happy and confident in myself as a footballer and a person.

"Very proud. I try not to think about it too much because you can get ahead of yourself a little bit but once I've finished playing I'm sure it is something I'll reflect on."

When asked if there could be a book written on his meteoric rise, Burn joked: "You never know... If there's someone out there who wants to write it, absolutely!"

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle defender Dan Burn says the strain of playing in four competitions has "mentally tested" him "quite a lot" this season.

In a wide-ranging chat at the launch of the 'One of Our Own, external', initiative by the club and Newcastle City Council to mark Mental Health Awareness Week this week, Burn opened up about his experiences with therapy, as well as chatting about the Magpies' season and his aspirations to make England's World Cup squad.

The 34-year-old has made 42 appearances in all competitions this season, despite missing a month with a bruised rib, including starting 11 out of 12 games in the Champions League.

"Tough," Burn said when asked how he has found the campaign.

"Because we've attacked every competition, I think it's mentally tested me quite a lot this season.

"I think the top teams, like the Man Citys, who have played regularly in all four competitions and seem to deal with it really well.

"That's the goal and where we need to get to. It's something that we'll learn from."

Despite a difficult league campaign, Eddie Howe's side reached the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and the Champions League round of 16 where they were defeated by Barcelona.

"Very very proud," Burn added when reflecting on the season as a whole.

"We are the first Newcastle team to get to the knockout stage of the Champions League and I thought we went toe-to-toe for the majority of the games but their quality shone through in the end.

"I've loved this season, we've put in some very good performances, and we've got a good opportunity to finish the season long. There's not a lot of points between the teams around us so you never know what might happen."

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds