Simple Yet Effective

The Hammers got off to a winning start to the season, after they defeated Cardiff 2-0, their fourth consecutive win over the Welsh side. West Ham were not brilliant on the day, but they were effective enough to get the job done. The Allardyce way of playing may not be easy on the eye, but it does get results and all West Ham fans want to see is three points and that is what the former Bolton boss delivered on Saturday.

Now, Allardyce makes his way back to St James Park next time around, in the hope the Hammers can get the same result they did last season. West Ham won 1-0 last time they faced the Magpies at St James Park, but without Carroll at the head of the attack, it will be hard to see three points making its way back to Upton Park. Carroll was at the pinnacle of his form against Newcastle, and the brilliance of his hold up play and defensive ability was one of the reasons, the Hammers won last season.

Saturday's game showed the width will not be an issue this year, as Matt Jarvis made his first assist of the season, twelve minutes into the game. Joe Cole was man of the match, and a goalscorer, showing he was back to fine form, and the cameo from Stewart Downing was good enough for fans to get overexcited about their new arrival. The only weakness was the forward line without Carroll, Maiga tried his best, but was not the greatest. Maiga looks more of a second striker than a man to hold up the line, a player who would rather be part of the build up than the finisher at the end. Luckily for the Hammers, the game was sealed through the finishing techniques of Kevin Nolan, who was more like the forward on Saturday.

Looking on to the game on Saturday, Newcastle will be looking to bounce back from a humiliating night against Man City. The Geordies were beaten comfortably 4-0, and there was no sign of any threat from the Magpies on the night. The situation got worse for Newcastle, as they lost Steven Taylor to a red card, and Jonas Gutierrez to an injury. They will join Loic Remy on the sidelines, and will miss the game against West Ham. The Hammers should be looking to attack the Geordies, as they are missing a key defender, and having to play an inexperienced left back in Paul Dummett. Gutierrez is a big loss, as he works hard up and down the flanks. Newcastle could also be without Yohan Cabaye after a transfer bid from Arsenal was rejected for the Frenchman.

It is very hard to judge a side against Man City, so the judgement on whether Newcastle are a threat depends on last season. They finished the season well, and worked hard in a 0-0 draw at Upton Park in May, a game where they could have taken the spoils. Newcastle will be using their key player Hatem Ben Arfa, as his electrifying pace will frighten the Hammers fairly slow defence. That is Newcastle's main threat, and will probably work the middle of the pitch to try and defeat the midfield trio of Noble, Diame and Nolan.

After a effective performance on Saturday, the Hammers are likely to drop Joe Cole and start Stewart Downing. The pace will be the key asset for West Ham, as Newcastle's defence can be opened up, especially with the clumsy Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and youngster Dummett. Again like on Saturday, Jarvis and Downing will be key, as will Diame, who will have a battle on his hands with Tiote, a battle to keep your eye on. The Hammers will obviously be relying on Nolan to score, as Maiga looks to be dropping deep to allow Nolan to hold the line. Pace and clinical finishing are key, as the Hammers will be on the counter attack most of the match, and will not get many chances. If the Hammers play as effectively as they did against Cardiff, a positive result is obtainable against Newcastle.

 

Come On You Irons!