'He contributed' - Alan Shearer praises surprise Newcastle United star after West Ham win

Alan Shearer was just as delighted as every other Newcastle United supporter following the club's dramatic victory over West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.

The Magpies trailed 3-1 after Alexander Isak's sixth minute penalty was cancelled out by Michail Antonio, Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen. However, Eddie Howe's side found a way to flip the game on its head when Isak converted from the spot again before substitute Harvey Barnes netted a late brace.

The victory moved United up to eighth in the Premier League table, one point behind seventh place West Ham and with a game in-hand. It was also the first time Newcastle had come from behind to win this campaign.

"I don't know where to start other than incredible game, incredible atmosphere," said Shearer. "End-to-end. Some great performances. It was an incredible game. We thought there would be goals but we didn't think it would be this exciting."

Newcastle started bright after taking the lead through Isak, however the withdrawal of Jamaal Lascelles in the 17th minute proved detrimental. Howe opted for a defensive reshuffle, bringing on Emil Krafth at right-back and moving Dan Burn into central defence alongside Fabian Schar, and Tino Livramento to left-back.

It was Krafth who played Antonio onside for the Hammers' equaliser after the latter latched onto a through ball by Lucas Paqueta. David Moyes' men then got their noses in front during first-half stoppage time via Kudus.

Bowen's strike immediately after the break looked to have out the result beyond doubt but Howe's substitutions helped change the flow of the game. Not only was Shearer impressed with matchwinner Barnes, but Lewis Hall too.

Shearer said: "Eddie had to change it round. He had to make some substitutions to change it round. It was flat, everything was negative, no confidence. You have to mention Barnes for the goals.

"But Lewis Hall, the energy he brought down the left-hand side, getting forward, quick play, quick touches. He contributed a lot to it as well."

Both Barnes and Hall will hope their cameos did enough to earn a start when Everton visit St James' Park on Tuesday.