Eddie Howe reveals ‘the difference’ between Newcastle United & West Ham

Eddie Howe reflected on a clinical Newcastle United performance after hammering West Ham United 5-1 at the London Stadium.

The Magpies ran riot in East London to help boost their Champions League qualification hopes. Callum Wilson and Joelinton, both recalled to the starting XI, netted a brace each, and Alexander Isak scored off the bench on an emphatic evening.

“Probably, since the World Cup, I don’t think we’ve been as clinical as we maybe were in the first part of the season, said Howe, “I think we’ve created a load of chances, but haven’t taken them.

“Tonight was roles reversed really, I didn’t think we were perfect in our performance and there’s a lot to reflect on that we could have done better. West Ham made it a good game, but when our chances did come today, we took them, and that was probably the difference.”

He added: “I thought it was a tough game. A strange scoreline. It could have been different if they’d scored their early chance. We rode our luck at times. We scored some great goals. When we clicked into gear we were very good. It’s been a really good night.”

Howe’s men remain third in the Premier League table, three points above fifth place Tottenham Hotspur with one game in-hand.

“Every positive result strengthens our position, but we’ve got huge games to come and a lot of points to play for,” said Howe. “Nothing is going to be decided short term, but these are important wins.”