1. Crisis, what crisis?
The storm clouds were gathering over St James’ Park before kick-off.
But Newcastle’s season is now up and running as they ran out deserved winners over a West Ham side who remain pointless after three successive defeats.
Rafa Benitez remains frustrated at Mike Ashley’s failure to back him in the transfer market and his long term future remains in doubt.
On the pitch, however, the Magpies don’t look like a side who will be fighting for survival this season.
They were well organised at the back and unlike in their previous two league games, full of pace, power and ideas going forward.
As for West Ham, perhaps it is unfair to judge them after three away games, but there was little for Slaven Bilic to take out of this performance.
2. Mitrovic is no Rafa favourite
The Serb must have been hopeful of a first league start this season after scoring in the 3-2 League Cup defeat against Nottingham Forest..
Certainly if the Toon Army had a say in the matter, fans’ favourite Mitro would have played.
But despite Dwight Gayle being left out of the squad, Rafa Benitez went with recent signing Joselu instead of Mitrovic, who is very much No. 3 in the Toon pecking order.
He replaced Joselu in the second half and looked really up for it.
After missing one chance, he made no mistake with another, rounding Joe Hart before virtually walking the ball in the net.
Will it earn him a starting slot next time? Doubt it.
3. Hart of the Matter
Joe Hart hasn’t kept a clean sheet since March, when he was playing for England against Lithuania.
Now, Torino and West Ham may not have the best defences in the business and Hart can hardly be blamed on his own for that horrible run.
But Gareth Southgate must have concerns about keeping faith in a keeper who has been letting in so many goals of late, particularly with the likes of Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland in such fine form.
That’s ten goals he’s conceded in three league games for the Hammers.
4. Merino’s a pass –master
Mikel Merino got slated for failing to close down Huddersfield matchwinner Aaron Mooy last week.
But Newcastle’s summer signing from Borussia Dortmund showed better qualities this afternoon.
The Spaniard certainly has an eye for a pass.
His superb through ball to Christian Atsu split the Hammers defence allowing the winger to square for Joselu to score.
He’s only starting because Jonjo Shelvey is serving a three-match ban but on this evidence, he is pushing hard for a run in the side.
5. Not so nice for Rice
West Ham teenager Declan Rice was praised to the rafters for his mature display at Southampton.
The 18-year-old Republic of Ireland under 21 international found life tougher at St James’ Park.
He was caught in possession in the build up to Newcastle’s first half goal and struggled to make an impact before being replaced by Manuel Lanzini at half-time.
In fairness to the youngster, not too many of his team-mates enhanced their reputations this afternoon.
