West Ham 1-3 Newcastle: Cabaye Guides Magpies To Crucial Victory
Yohan Cabaye put in a match-winning performance at Upton Park as Newcastle picked up their first Premier League win since Boxing Day. Two goals from Cabaye and one from fellow Frenchman Loic Remy could only be answered by a Mike Williamson own-goal as Newcastle ran out 3-1 winners. The first chance of the match fell to Remy after eight minutes, the striker beautifully threaded through by Cabaye but unable to finish. West Ham carved out their first opening minutes later, Matt Taylor nodding a header just wide after a good cross from Matt Jarvis. Newcastle then went straight up the other end to take the lead after a quarter of an hour, Remy turning provider as he laid on Cabaye, who slotted home from the edge of the box. Cabaye was running the show for the visitors, first playing through Moussa Sissoko for a great chance, before firing his own effort just wide after good build-up with Remy. However, the Hammers were unable to hold out for much longer as Sissoko's cross evaded the defenders and Remy was able to chest the ball down before poking it home. The Magpies continued to control the game and looked set to go in at half-time two up, but Williamson gave West Ham a lifeline in injury-time as he put the ball into his own net after Carlton Cole's shot rebound onto him. The home side started the second half full of intent and purpose, backed by a vocal and supportive crowd. 10 minutes after the restart the Upton Park faithful almost got their wish, Carlton Cole missing from just 5 yards out after Taylor had marauded forward to deliver a dangerous cross. With half an hour to go West Ham boss Sam Allardyce sent on former Newcastle striker Andy Carroll as the Hammers searched for an elusive equaliser. Carroll very nearly came back to haunt his former side, spurning a golden chance as he volleyed Downing's cross over the bar (and almost out of the stadium) from inside the box. Time was running out for West Ham as the game moved into the final 15 minutes and numerous long balls into the box were bringing them little joy. The game was well and truly sewn up in injury-time though when Cabaye rounded-off a stunning performance by caressing a free-kick into the top corner. The defeat means West Ham now slip into the relegation places, increasing the pressure on under-fire manager Allardyce.