Newcastle 2-1 West Ham - Player Ratings

Jonjo Shelvey, take a bow...

Jonjo Shelvey produced a sensational debut display as Newcastle United held on to defeat West Ham. A lovely bending strike from Ayoze Perez after a free-flowing Magpies move put the home side into the lead, before a ridiculous 60-yard drilled ball from Shelvey set Daryl Janmaat clear down the right. The Dutchman centred for Georginio Wijnaldum who finished from close range for 2-0. The home side let The Hammers back into the game in the opening minutes of the second half as a sloppy Chancel Mbemba back pass allowed Nikica Jelavic in to round Rob Elliot and make it 2-1. Newcastle held on which means they have picked up four valuable Premier League points in five days. But it was Shelvey who stole the show. The £12 million-man lived up to his hefty price tag in a display that proved he is everything Newcastle have lacked in the centre of midfield since the departure of Yohan Cabaye two years ago. The former Swansea City man only gave the ball away once all afternoon in a display that included every conceivable pass from his bumper arsenal. He's the glue this fragile Newcastle side has needed for some time.
Content Producer
Content Producer

Video & written Content Producer for WhatCulture Wrestling. NCTJ trained journalist. BA Hons, Sports Journalism.