Sorry West Ham beaten by Newcastle as they loom closer to relegation

17 May 2026 · 45 min · 14 chapters

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In short

Newcastle beat West Ham 3-1 at St James’ Park, dealing a major blow to West Ham’s survival hopes. Topic: West Ham’s relegation fight and Newcastle’s push for European qualification, plus broader Super Sunday results. Guests/backgrounds: Micah Richards and Alan Smith (former players/pundits) analyze West Ham’s tactics and errors; Roy Keane and Micah are referenced in discussion; Nuno Espirito Santo and Eddie Howe give post-match quotes.

Key claims

West Ham conceded twice in the first 20 minutes due to disorganization, individual errors, poor pressing/compactness, and “self-inflicted” defensive mistakes (including from a throw-in). The match was effectively decided early; West Ham’s late Dejanos/“Tadipo” finish was only consolation.

Notable examples

Willis Sula scored twice; Nick Voltemada ended a long Premier League drought; Dejanos scored a late wonder goal. Table implications: West Ham are near bottom (Spurs goal difference swing scenario); West Ham’s next hope is results around Spurs and their final home game vs Leeds.

Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.

Chapters

Tap a time to open that second in VO

Match Summary: Newcastle vs. West Ham

0:10 to 2:06

A recap of the match where Newcastle beats West Ham 3-1, highlighting key moments and player performances.

“A bumper Sunday of games was rounded off at St James's Park when Newcastle played west hand.”

Relegation Battle Insights

2:06 to 4:00

Discussion on West Ham's precarious position in the relegation battle and implications of other teams' performances.

“It's Newcastle who finished the season with a flourish, beating West Ham by three goals to one.”

Tactical Analysis of West Ham's Performance

5:04 to 10:30

Analysis of West Ham's tactical errors and player performances during the match against Newcastle.

“This is the Sky Sports Premier League podcast.”

Nuno Espirito Santo's Post-Match Thoughts

13:35 to 14:01

Reflections from West Ham's manager on the match, discussing mistakes and team organization.

Post-Match Analysis: West Ham's Performance

14:01 to 17:20

An in-depth discussion on West Ham's disappointing performance against Newcastle, highlighting tactical mistakes and player accountability.

“Did what happened in that period really shock you?”

Managerial Reflections on Tactical Decisions

17:21 to 18:46

A reflection on the manager's tactical decisions and their impact on the team's performance during the match.

“thanks for your time he's always very calm in his post-match interviews isn't he he's very level-headed and he doesn't give much away but you sense that he thinks it's probably done don't you?”

Player Accountability and Pressure of Relegation

18:47 to 24:16

Discussing player accountability, the psychological impact of relegation pressure, and how it affects decision-making on the pitch.

“He wouldn't have meant that high up the pitch, Michael, surely.”

Looking Forward: West Ham's Survival Chances

24:17 to 27:55

Analyzing West Ham's chances of survival in the league and the crucial upcoming matches.

“And the reaction at the end, you're going to get that from supporters, obviously, you know, West Ham last week, when you're getting 50, 60 ,000 fans at home, there is going to be anger, frustration.”

Eddie Howe's Season Reflection

28:00 to 30:28

Eddie Howe discusses the team's performance, key player contributions, and future outlook.

“in your final game here you must feel you got that Yeah, we got that.”

Newcastle's European Aspirations

30:28 to 32:42

Analysis of Newcastle's chances for European football and squad changes for next season.

“Big result for Eddie Howe this afternoon because, Micah, it now takes him into most Premier League wins by Newcastle managers.”
Show all 14 chapters

Premier League Matchday Reactions

34:56 to 42:01

Discussion on matchday performances, key moments, and player highlights from various games.

“Welcome back to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast.”

Discussion on Coaching Changes at Chelsea

42:01 to 43:19

The hosts analyze the implications of Xavi Alonso's coaching style and its fit for Chelsea.

“It wouldn't be Alonso, Chelsea, Carrick.”

Upcoming Premier League Matches

43:20 to 44:10

A preview of upcoming Premier League fixtures and their significance for teams involved.

“I just feel sometimes three at the back is negative.”

West Ham's Relegation Battle

44:11 to 45:23

An overview of West Ham's precarious position in the league and what lies ahead.

“Every Premier League game between now and the end of the season is here on Sky.”
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Transcript

Automatic transcript. May contain errors.

0:06You're listening to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. A bumper Sunday of games was rounded off at St James's Park when Newcastle played west hand. Here's how things sounded when the full time whistle blew.

0:33the walls closing in on West Ham as Newcastle United push them to the brink a third successive defeat for Nuno Espirito Santo two points adrift and they've only got three to play for and in huge favours from others starting with Spurs going to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night it was out of their hands when they came here it's barely within touching distance for West Ham now and they've only really got themselves to blame it all fell apart in a disastrous opening 20 minutes where they found themselves conceding twice in the space of four Nick Voltemada who's hardly had a shot on goal in recent weeks ended his long drought his first goal of 2026 in the Premier League gave the home side the lead then the first of two from Willis Sula one in the first half and then when the second came just past the hour mark it looked like that was that a moment of inspiration and a moment of hope for West Ham with Tadikas Dejanos' fabulous finish but that's all it was a consolation and it looks bleak it looks bleak indeed for the Hammers Alan Smith yeah it does you can see from the expressions of the West Ham players the West Ham manager throughout that game after they've gone a couple down they just weren't at it today they didn't have enough to come back.

1:54Listen, it's not over yet. They'll be hoping they can take it to the last game of the season, that home fixture against Leeds United. That is their hope now. Well, they came here needing the win. They didn't get close in truth. It's Newcastle who finished the season with a flourish, beating West Ham by three goals to one. Thank you, Bill. As Alan says, it is not over yet for West Ham, but they are on the brink when you look at that bottom 17th and 18th. The goal difference swing would mean that one point for Spurs out of their last two games, and it would make it nigh on impossible for West Ham to stay up.

2:39Can they get that point at Stamford Bridge Tuesday from 7 o 'clock on Sky Sports Premier League?

2:53Well, we've had six games across this Super Sunday. Began at half past 12 with Manchester United beating Nottingham Forest by three goals to two. Then it was all about the race for the European places and it was really advantage. Sunderland with that 3-1 win at Everton. Brentford could only draw with Crystal Palace. Brighton suffered a late defeat at Ellum Road thanks to Dominic Calvert-Lewin's goal. Fulham drew one all and already relegated Wolves. and Newcastle with that win over West Ham in our final game means that they are not out of the running for a European place and that's because it goes all the way down to eighth because Manchester City beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final yesterday so even though Newcastle aren't in that top half at the moment when we go into the bottom half you'll see that they could still make that eighth place.

3:48The big thing this afternoon was that Manchester United already qualified for the Champions League but they confirmed that they would finish the season in third. And there you can see Newcastle in 11th. They've gone above Everton now who were beaten by Newcastle's rivals Sunderland this afternoon. 49 points means a three point of eight so it's still a possibility and then all eyes turn to 17 and 18. That big goal difference, difference between Spurs and West Ham. Spurs on minus nine, West Ham on minus 22. So one point for Spurs, and you would think that that would be enough to send West Ham down with Burnley and Wolves.

4:42It's time for the EFL playoffs where one moment can change an entire season. Join me, Simeon Golem, on the Essential EFL podcast for all the stories and the drama across the Championship League One and League Two. I'll be joined by Sky Sports' top EFL pundits to analyse all of the games and bring you immediate reaction to the Wembley Finals. That's the Essential EFL podcast from Sky Sports. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

5:12This is the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Let's get more analysis of the game and return to the student. Had a 3-1 win for Newcastle at St James's Park. Baltimore with his first goal in a long time for the home side. West Ham at times with their own worst enemy. But Will Sulis is going through the middle for Newcastle. Has scored five in his last six. It's a brace for him this afternoon. A very disappointing afternoon for Nuno Espirito Santo, despite one of the goals of the scene from Castellanos late on. And they were just sloppy, weren't they, Micah, in so many ways this afternoon, West Ham?

5:58Straight from the start, individual errors. I think when they played against Arsenal, went in a bit more of a low block. They knew exactly what they needed to do. I think maybe because they needed a result and thought they could get at Newcastle. Newcastle form has been a little bit up and down but you just see here is Tadipo's not set and then he stops running if it goes all the way it could probably make that challenge and now goalkeepers made a mistake Tadipo's made a mistake and now Fernandes you've been fielded that also makes a mistake so it's a catalogue of errors and do you want to be going to St James's knowing that Newcastle want to press and be trying to play out from the back I just don't understanding.

6:37Roy, you wanted to talk about the defence side of that. I can't believe it. Obviously, players make mistakes. That's the name of the game. It's what you do after that. You try and cover for your teammates. You talk about compact. Players not make decision-making. Distance is wrong. You've got Barons here running. Running, you're thinking. We talk about West Ham fighting for their lives. Fernandes has got to get out there. He has to come. He ends up doing nothing. Players taking gamblings. They've got numbers back. But no intensity. No desire again fighting for their lives they didn't show that and when you start the game like that it's a long way back but that's your point isn't it everybody can make a mistake we all make mistakes but there is there is a collective lack of intensity and we we see it with the second as well sorry right i want to talk about this can we just slow this down okay what what are west i'm trying to be are they trying to press or are they trying to sit in because i don't understand what's going on here with Bowen and Wilson and some of them goes late and as you see here this is your centre half I don't know if you could just pause it there so when you're a centre half when you're playing with three at the back we always use the terminology they've got to jump but you've got to jump in this area here if you're going to go all the way there you have to make sure he doesn't turn on the ball and as we run it on here now Suchek's in a position where Desazis should be then he goes now he's in no man's land if you're going to go have some communication somewhere on the pitch again Tadiba is late and now he's got all this space to run into and then you mentioned it before Wan-Bissaka's position if he's playing wing back come inside you can see the play that he's developing and we talk about individual areas you see it more on this one and you want us to talk about Wan-Bissaka Wan-Bissaka obviously there's a number of positions again Mike but I think there's a bit of panic here about West Ham they're a goal down But you look, there's 19 minutes gone.

8:29There's plenty of time. We talk about staying compact, staying in the game. Newcastle have been great recently, make them a little bit nervous. But look at players getting on the wrong side. People run off the back of Fernandes again, not pressing, centre-halves. But just pause it there. Sorry, Ryan, before you go on. This is a day... The space is... You have to close this space here. This player here is irrelevant because you can always come across. Now you have to go across. Whether you're playing three or five at the back, This is where the danger is at the moment. I always use the phrase, smell and danger.

9:03If you stop here, you must go, lads, we're in trouble here. There's trouble ahead. In terms of players getting back in, protecting the middle of the goals, ball watching, and Newcastle have enough quality because it's only one or two passes. I don't think Newcastle have done anything extraordinary here. Nice play. How can he be straight and non-goal? And even Juan Pissaka is running back here. He's looking over his shoulders. somebody's about to shoot on his goal and he's worried about somebody behind him. That's the danger. You've got to protect the middle of the goals, particularly if you're playing three at the back.

9:33And then this, this is all self-inflicted. If you lose a game and Newcastle are brilliant, put this from a throw-in. You've got players ahead of the ball and from your own throw-in on the halfway line, within what, less than 10 seconds, 10 seconds, the game's gone. So it's all self-inflicted. Look at here. Your own throw-in takes three players out of the game. Yeah, but you know, a lot of professional footballers don't know how to throw the ball. even the throw it's not great it's up in the air throw it on so you can give it back to your first time you've got your team made out of the game I know you're hoping you might get away with it but it's good play nice and sharp little reverse pass and we've got Michael Jackson on the end of it there we go and it's all I bet you Newcastle couldn't believe their luck and this is a Newcastle team who haven't been brilliant recently and you're gifting them the game no they had a go in the end obviously we're sad but it's very easy to have a go when you're 3-0 down the game's done and it's their performance the way they start to the game you're on about fighting for your lives that wasn't a team that was fighting for their lives that was a team obviously they are lacking in confidence it's as if they've not recovered from last weekend do you think that may have played a part oh without a doubt it has to be and you start the game that slowly a big decision went against them last week almost feeling sorry for themselves you look at the goal the first goal players taking chances out from the back you're playing with a back five be compact be hard to beat stay in the game they've done the opposite to that they've gifted goals and that's why again the table doesn't lie they're where they are they deserve to be where they are not good enough and decision making is all school boy stuff It'll be interesting to hear what Nuno says afterwards on why he started with a back three and also he started with Callum Wilson and Castellanos started on the bench when Castellanos came on he had over half of West Ham shots this afternoon I mean including a sensational goal but the question I suppose will be why he didn't start Yeah but the system was fine last week again you still have to trust your players with their decision making.

11:25I think this, again, we talked the last week about being compact. Maybe there is a bit of panic in their game. We have to win this game. The thing obviously, but you have to stay in the game. You're not going to win the game in the first 20 minutes up at Newcastle. They're lacking goals and that was a brilliant finish but too little too late. The game, the game was over after 20 minutes. I think maybe in the manager's head, you know when we talk about taking positive from games and Wilson scored that goal and then it obviously got ruled out but he might have just thought they defended really well against Arsenal we need someone if we get a chance we need someone clinical so I sort of understand why he played Wilson but when Tati scores a goal like that it looks wrong I think the bigger problem today he probably got the system wrong I think he played a five at the back against Man City and a five at the back against Arsenal the only other time they've done it against not Arsenal or Manchester City was December the 7th was the last time they did it against Brighton exactly that and I just feel as though maybe the manager got it wrong but I understand why he would have went with that because the performance against Arsenal was so good but it was different and that's why if you're going to be in a low block and have people around you you can do that but they tried to open up a little bit too much today but you give you give up chance of that Mark tactics and systems of players decision making even if a back four you want to be compact don't think oh just because there's a back five is going to be slightly easier because you have numbers back, the way they defended, no matter what system they were playing, we're on about the attacking players turning up, but you have to have a bit of a chance, you've got to keep it tight at the back to give your goal scorers a chance not good enough defensively

13:10Did you know you can stream live Premier League football through Now TV It's an instant streaming service offering access to all 12 Sky Sports channels, every Sky Sports Plus stream and much more. There are day or month membership options available and you don't need to be a Sky customer to use it. Just head to nowtv.com to check out the latest packages.

13:40Difficult afternoon for the West Ham fans high up in that away end at St James' Park despair and sadness and also anger with you're not fit to wear the shirt ringing out at the end Here's Nuno Espirito Santo with John Phillips Nuno, the game was clearly lost in that opening 20 minutes Did what happened in that period really shock you? The game deal was not lost. The game, we had a big disadvantage. We conceded two goals, but it was not lost. We tried to react, but the way we conceded was poor. But even though we tried to react, it was not enough. But what did you see in that 20-minute period? It looked to go against everything you prepared for.

14:26I see mistakes that happen. I see disorganisation, the team too open, too open, allowing Newcastle to play, so it was a very difficult match for us. You changed from three at the back to the back four after that, and obviously the three worked to some degree against Arsenal last week. Can you say that was a mistake with hindsight, or do you feel you went with the right team? Yeah, maybe we prepared bad, maybe we prepared bad. Maybe we made mistakes, we have to look at it, but if you look at the game, probably, yeah. We spoke to Mateus Fernandes, and he said the players should take responsibility, He said the players lacked the fight and the spirit and they weren't reaching the second balls before the Newcastle players.

15:06Do you feel let down by them to some degree? No, it's not about that. Of course, Mateus is now living a moment of frustration and things are sad. Let's take a look at the game. We started poor the game. The way we started, we were soft. The way we can see the first goal, the second goal, then everything is much harder. but let's try to finish the season with dignity, with respect for the club. It's going to be a hard week in front of us but we owe it to the club to try until the end. There was quite an angry reaction from the supporters that had stayed till the very end to watch that when the players went over to give them a round of applause.

15:48Can you understand that anger? Of course I understand. They are frustrated, they are disappointed with what they saw today with reason. They saw a team that has been struggling through the season, but with better attitude, better character, more fighting spirit. And when the fans don't see it, of course, they show their frustrations and they show their frustrations to me with my decisions, so we understand them. You had shown signs maybe in the last 15 games even that you'd had a good record and that you'd been competitive and arguably could have been higher up the table if that record had been all season.

16:23Was today just a huge step back? Did it really surprise you, the performance they put in? Yeah, the way we started the game was really bad. But like you said, we've been trying to improve, trying to get better, but today was not a step forward. And we have to realise that our situation is very, very difficult. There's a lot of anxiety, nerves, all these things don't help. But we have to take responsibility and us to blame. like I said Johnny let's try to finish the season with dignity what does the week hold then you just have to hope that results go your way and make sure that whatever happens you put in a great performance in your last game let's wait on Tuesday but we've been in these situations for recent weeks now we have chances to go we don't take it then we expect what's happening in the other games let's see and it's possible but it's difficult we have to rely that it's tough thanks for your time he's always very calm in his post-match interviews isn't he he's very level-headed and he doesn't give much away but you sense that he thinks it's probably done don't you?

17:37yeah it's obviously very hard for a manager to come out after a game again he did speak well and I think it was the goals they gave away would be hurting him the most he was on about they were disorganised at the start of the game when you think they were organised they were last weekend you know really compact and they were threatened and the wing backs were doing really well and they thought they got something at the end of the game. So it was almost the opposite to last weekend. I know it's a different game and a different challenge and away from home. But the first 20 minutes, for all his experience, I bet you'd be scratching his head.

18:07He just said it there, the way they were so open. And whatever about Newcastle when you go up there and if you're open, they have players that can hurt you, which they did today. And two goals on after 20 minutes. He said the game wasn't over then. Of course it was over. You look at their goals far and their goals against, it was highly unlikely they were going to come back and even get a draw, never mind a win. So it was over after 20 minutes. And again, when you start that slowly and it's all self-inflicted, and he's right, the players will be nervous, they'll be anxious. But if you are nervous and anxious, they'll certainly be compact and don't be taking chances at the back.

18:41So I think they've done everything the opposite of what he was hoping for. Do you think that they didn't quite know the players whether to stick or twist? in the sense of play five at the back against Arsenal or Manchester City you're there you're going to try and nick a point aren't you but they knew the situation they were in they're still playing five at the back but they probably need to win does that do you think that changes a little bit their mentality how they approach it yeah but you've also got to stay in the game I think that is the difference I feel as though how Newcastle play they want an open game they're very energetic lively team and when the space is open that's when the very good what what they did against Arsenal they all knew their jobs and yes there was in a low block but that makes it a little bit easier in terms of the communication what happened today they allow themselves for the game to get stretched and then they didn't know what to do so when you've got a set about coming out all that way obviously he's been told by the manager if they want to get the ball in midfield you've got to go all the way out but it's very difficult when you used to play in one system to go in a different system.

19:52He wouldn't have meant that high up the pitch, Michael, surely. Exactly. He didn't mean that high up. But it's easier to play in a three or a five when you're in a low block because you just got everything in front of you when the game opens up. And he admitted there in his interview, really, he probably got it wrong. But I think when he's taking positive from games, the Arsenal game, he's thinking, actually, we stayed in the game until the end. we managed to get a goal non-goal that was ruled out and he's probably just thinking in his head that's what we need to do today but the game management from the players some of the players again they go back to that decision making trying to play out when you think of the first goal and even then with the second one there's obviously panic set in instead of people going okay we've made a mistake let's again go back to we're 1-0 done we can get back we know Newcastle haven't been great I think one of the worst in the league for holding on to Leeds you can go back stay in the game definitely panic for the second goal where you've got centre-halves sprinting ahead of midfielders.

20:51It's like, to me, it's madness. Yeah, but that comes from nerves, sort of. We've both been... My point is, so you're a defender, Micah, right? You have a different view of it. The one thing you do go, if you're on about nerves and you're chasing the game, you still want the game in front of you. You wouldn't want to get drawn into these positions. A defender, as soon as you go into that position, you must go, do you know what? I did play around me here. we've got spaces in behind me. If you're nervous or worried, your decision-making, well, then stay. Just sit and go. I'll argue after with the manager.

21:23He's saying, I want you to press. There's no way he wants him to press Talia. Absolutely no way. But you also want to be aggressive, don't you, as a defender? And he's just mistimed it. He misjudged it. When you're going through a difficult spell, relegation, nerves come into it and you make decisions that you don't normally make. You mentioned it. I mean, you have both been relegated in your career. You were at a different stage. you were a young lad starting out when you were relegated you were a more experienced pro when you were relegated did you have nerves and anxiety do you understand the point at all well I was a bit young I was a bit younger but yeah we had some very very good players at Nottingham Forest but again we didn't have a goal scorer and whatever and things were going against us and yeah all that comes into it that lack of belief confidence or whatever that all goes into mix and if you're not scoring goals West Ham have struggled all year with their goals far and when you're in them positions it's it's a battle all the time so when they're 2-0 down West Hamer aren't going to score two or three goals away from home it's just it's not going to happen so that's where the mindset is so again when you're 1-0 down don't make them rash decisions yeah confidence in your decision making but to go chasing the game with so much time left I think if that happened and it was last 10 or 15 minutes you go listen we have to take a chance but there's so much more I definitely think the panic kicked in and when they start going to die up the pitch and obviously Newcastle pick them off and you're tunneled down everyone knows the game's over everyone knows it's over and just just on the flip of that i was more doing what the sassy was doing i was a skipper i was supposed to be the leader on the pitch but my performances weren't good enough so you end up doing things that instead of trusting the system trusting what the manager tells you you end up trying to be or trying to do everyone's job on the pitch and i feel as though that moment in there when everything should just be calm.

23:12You make them decisions when you're nervous. Instead, he's probably told him before the game, make sure you're going in there. Be aggressive. But as you get older, Mike, as you get older, when experience kicks in, the one thing you have to do, right, we look at the third goal there. Whatever's happening in the game and you're looking for that bit of a goal, do the simple things well. Do the basics well. That just gives you a bit of a foundation to try and hang in there for a point. And I'm just on about today. I'm on about overall during the season. We can reflect on our careers and that relegation is to sow one.

23:41That follows you around everywhere, whatever, about trying to win trophies. When you've been relegated for a brilliant club, like I was with Nottingham Forest under a great manager, yeah, you don't shake that off. And I go back to these players, and these players aren't intentionally going out to make mistakes, but a panic sets in, and you think you have to win a game. First of all, stay in the game. I've not been back to Villa Park since, because embarrassment. I was the guy that took the team down. People lost their jobs. Now we're getting a little bit deep here, but that's what it means. That is what it means.

24:11You know, the people at West Ham now, they're struggling, it's not over. They still couldn't take a positive. They've still, you know, got a chance. And the reaction at the end, you're going to get that from supporters, obviously, you know, West Ham last week, when you're getting 50, 60 ,000 fans at home, there is going to be anger, frustration. There is still, I mean, not a very large one if you follow up to his percentages, but there is still a chance that they could get themselves out of it. But what they will need is they will definitely need Spurs to lose at Chelsea on Tuesday night. And then it all goes down to that final.

24:49From Spurs' point of view, I wish that 6 % was a little bit lower. That still worries me with Spurs, 6%. But yeah, you're looking at Chelsea, them two games, to get a point to stay up. And if you'd offered Spurs that a few weeks ago, especially I think West Ham beat Everton about three weeks ago and West Ham all of a sudden look listen they've got a great chance of staying up for that for Spurs to get need a draw with two games to go you'll be delighted with that Where do you stand with with Nuno now and West Ham he's been in charge for 32 of their 37 Premier League games 33 points in those 32 you talked actually when off air we were talking about when you were at Sunderland you want to average a point a game that is just over a point a game.

25:37He had a slow start, though, trying to get that West Ham squad how he wanted it. Yeah, of course. And that was the challenge for him. Obviously, when you're trying to get results, you're trying to get people on side. Then when you slip up in a game, like we've been questioning the tactics and the system, but you have to bring in that nerves, emotion into the players' performance. And they've just tightened up the last few weeks. Three weeks ago, you think West Ham, they've got the momentum. They've lost it now. And we saw that today in the game where you're looking going, and the big build-up, West Ham are fighting for their lives.

26:06And we keep saying the home form will get them out of it. But at some stage, as a professional footballer, you've got to be able to do it away from home as well. And they never turned up today. And I think that'll be the sore one for them. If they turned up today and they had a goal and they got beaten and Newcastle were, you know, you hold your hand. But the three goals, all self-inflicted. I always go back to it. If that happened on a training ground in a session, you're doing 11 v 11 and you gave up three goals like that, you'd be really critical of the team. So to happen today and it's such an important game, Yeah, it'd be so long for them.

26:35Yeah, it's difficult. I think, from Nuno's point of view, like you said, it looked like they had the bounce, it looked like they had the momentum, didn't happen. I'm expecting the big players to turn up. Bowen, who I rate so much, has been quiet recently. Somerville had that nice patch, didn't it, where he was scoring pretty much every game. Tati scored a wonder goal today. Even the leaders like Suchek, he's been so good for West Ham over the years, but when they needed him most, he's not been there and yes there's other teams in the mix who have got good teams as well but I just feel they left it too little too late and when there's two or three games to go I also think players are subconsciously then looking after themselves a little bit lads doing their own thing we saw that with some of their passing and then lads being selfish in the sense of well if we do go down you know lads be already maybe an agent where am I off to that type of scenario I think that can creep in and also you're looking at the manager there and he's an emotional guy you could see him in the first half he looked beaten up didn't he he wasn't throwing out them messages going lads listen we'd bounce come on he looked beaten in the first half never mind at the end let's turn our attention to the Newcastle side I think it's been a bit of an up and down season for them but they've ended their home campaign with three points here's Eddie Howe with Johnny Eddie you said before the match that you really wanted this performance for the home fans in your final game here you must feel you got that Yeah, we got that.

28:02I mean, it wasn't the perfect game from us, but it was very good in phases, especially in that first half. I thought we were excellent with the ball and really creative. So big things I was really pleased with. I think we've seen real progression in the last few weeks. Much better performance. Is that when you're at the best, when you're taking teams on the front foot and particularly when you start games like you do? Yeah, very much so. I think that's always been our hallmark, really. We want to see really good energy from the players. We want to see us taking the game to the opposition. and we want to see the quality.

28:32Now, we haven't put that together all the time this season in the Premier League, hence our league position, but I think we're showing signs that we're beginning to re-find our form. There was a couple of goals for Willis Sula as well. How pleased were you with his performance leading the line? He wasn't in the team at the very start of the season, but he seems to have come in lately. Yeah, he's really growing, I think. He's improving all the time. I thought there were some really good moments for him today. I mean, of course, the goals. To lead the line for Newcastle isn't an easy thing. There's a lot of pressure and expectation and responsibility that comes with that role.

29:01But really pleased with his progression and I think he's definitely vastly improved, but I still feel he's got a lot to come, which is really exciting. We spoke to Kieran Tripp here as well and he was really proud to have led the team out and that ovation he got at the end. He said he was never sure what might happen when he came here in his 30s, but it's been the most incredible four and a half years as well. Well, I'd like to pay tribute to him really. I mean, yes, you never quite know how any transfer is going to go when you bring a player in. I was pretty sure that he would help us because I'd worked with him before, so I knew what we were getting.

29:32But the consistency that he's shown, the quality that he's shown, the key thing for me is, though, what people don't probably see is how he's been really good in the difficult moments. It's been a lot of success, but there have been some choppy times, and I think he's always been a really stabilising presence in the dressing room, which people don't see. You talk about those choppy times, maybe this season, but do you feel now the way you're finishing the campaign quite reinvigorated, and you can look ahead to the summer with a lot of optimism and a lot of hope. Yeah, it's a big summer for us, a huge summer for the football club.

30:04Yeah, and of course the results with how you finish the season give hope for next season and that's how we're going to try and take it. And when you talk about it being a big summer, do you feel we'll see a much-changed squad going into next season? Possibly, very difficult to predict, you never quite know. It does feel that it has the potential to be that summer for us. Regardless whether there's change or not, we have to come out the transfer window stronger. Thanks for your time, Eddie. Thank you. Big result for Eddie Howe this afternoon because, Micah, it now takes him into most Premier League wins by Newcastle managers.

30:40So he goes ahead there of two of the most beloved Newcastle figures in Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson. He's done a great job, hasn't he? I think it's been difficult for him at times, sort of trying to play Champions League football and then league football, not got the squad. But yeah. And they are still in the European mix. Remember, eighth is going to get European football. So Newcastle and Everton still have a chance of making eighth. Are the graphics back? It feels. I mean, if people have been with us right from five past 12. No mind you haven't. When we first showed this graphic. But you loved it, Micah.

31:25So my wish is your command. We're looking at Newcastle that way. So they could finish eighth, like you said, but all the way down to 14th. It's tight, isn't it? But like I said before, it's a brilliant graphic. Looks the same as before the game. With being here for 22 hours and a table looks the same. It does, but Newcastle could finish anywhere from 8th to 14th. Well, just focus on them because... Would you say even... Let's say they miss out on Europe, but even if they finish top half after everything, is that alright? Yeah just about I think obviously the expectation after last year and obviously the demands of Champions League and they won the Cup last year and obviously the players they didn't cope with them expectations so if they can finish in the top half I think they lick their wounds and Eddie Howe has mentioned it there it's a big sermon in terms of recruitment most clubs say exactly the same obviously you've got to get that right get a few players out if you get that recruitment right yeah I think Newcastle on their day when they're full of energy and they're at it they're a good team to watch But this year, again, you look at some of the results they've had, it's probably not been good enough.

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32:27And also the big two disappointments, which I probably never recovered from the second game against Sunderland, they were big setbacks for them. But yeah, listen, there's a nucleus of a good team there. And Eddie Howe overall, I think, has done an excellent job there. In terms of recruitment, obviously a big summer in terms of who they bring in. Would you also say, given how the sale of Alexander Isak seemed to affect last summer and even into the start of this season, it's a big summer for them in deciding who they're going to sell or allowed to go and getting it done quickly yeah they've got to get it done quick I think obviously the saga last summer wasn't great for them losing Isak was massive the signings that they've brought in not really worked Visser and Volta Marder got his goal today Alanga as well but I think it's important for Newcastle now to get all their business done early and start quick because when Newcastle play well and play like they did and they're aggressive.

33:20They're a really good side. Obviously, balancing European football hasn't helped their course at times. But if they're out of Europe next season, I think they can have another strong season. But wouldn't life be so easy if you could get all your business done early? Yeah. Yeah, but when I say early, I mean the episode of Isak, it dragged on and dragged on and dragged on. That didn't help anybody, of course. But if you can get your business done early, fantastic. But then you've got World Cup, you've got a lot of distractions. Again, it's easier said than done.

33:58Major championships, tour playoffs and the Solheim Cup. There's so much amazing golf to look forward to over the next few weeks and months. Jamie Weir here, host of the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, where we'll have it all covered. Join me every week to get the best analysis from the top pundits and to hear from some of the world's star players. Can Scotty complete the career Grand Slam on what will be his 30th birthday? Can a freed up Rory surpass Sir Nick Fowdo and become officially the most successful European golfer of all time? And what about Tommy Fleetwood perhaps lifting the claret jug just a stone's throw from where he grew up at Royal Birkdale?

34:37And can Charlie Hull inspire Europe to claim back the Solheim Cup in the Netherlands? That's the Sky Sports Golf Podcast. Listen and give us a follow wherever you get your podcasts, find us through your Sky TV or watch us on YouTube.

34:56Welcome back to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Let's get back to the studio for more reaction to today's game.

35:06Six Premier League games across Super Sunday. today we started at Old Trafford where Bruno Fernandes equalised the Premier League assist record with that cross to Brian Mbuemo. Old Trafford said goodbye to Casemiro as well at the end of that game. And then when we went to the three o 'clock games a late Brighton mistake gave Dominic Calvert-Lewin this opportunity and he scored it to put a dent in Brighton's hopes and then Leeds home campaign on a good note for them.

35:45Brentford were twice behind at home to Crystal Palace, twice they came back to equalise, both from Wattara headers, that second one late on from a long throw, they did push for a third but they couldn't get it so it was a draw at the GTEC Community Stadium. Sunderland still very much in the race for Europe they fell behind at the Hill Dickinson but three second half goals gave them a 3-1 win and they are still on with a chance of getting one of those European places

36:25Fulham are almost unlikely to get one of those places they drew one all at already relegated Wolves. So they would need various results to go their way on top of winning themselves on the final day. Let's show you what happened at Old Trafford from a Manchester United point of view, where at times it did feel like everything was aimed at trying to get Bruno Fernandes his assist record, didn't it? It started, though, from a United point of view with this early goal for Luke Shaw, Mike. Yeah, and Luke Shaw, I mean, he's been ever-present inside this season. Not many goals, but that is a terrific finish.

37:05First in three years. First in three years, wow. He should shoot a lot more often, goals like that. Both the Nuttia Forest goals came from beautiful Elliot Anderson passes, didn't they, Roy? Brilliant, brilliant delivery again. Poor from United regarding defending. I'm not strong enough, not sensible enough, but once it leaves its foot there, it gives the attacking team every chance. It's brilliant delivery, very, very good goal. And we saw the best in the West United again today. A real goal trip, but defensively not great. And we're still... Yeah, we're still scratching our heads with that one.

37:37This lovely finish, but we're all still thinking it's obviously a handball, but the referee gave it. Well, the referee went to the screen. VAR recommended that he had a look, but in his opinion, he thought that was accidental and therefore decided to allow it. and Matthias Cunha having followed up, that goal was allowed to stand. Then you get Bruno's assist. The moment everyone was waiting for. It is some ball across though, isn't it? Look at the way he just drives it across. A lot of people go with a curl in that position there, but you can see the light on his face. But then Gibbs-White was outstanding.

38:17But look at this for another assist from Anderson. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant delivery. even better finish look at the way he just adjusts his feet on his left foot lovely run what a top finish that is lovely goal yeah lovely goal but again United going forward real goal track but you still worry about the match that's the big that's what they've got to fix going into next season whether it be centre half full back and certainly a couple of new players in midfield and still waiting for a new contract to be confirmed for Michael Carrick afterwards he spoke with Natalie Jedra We're talking about the future and of course the past couple of days reports that you and Man United have reached an agreement.

39:00What can you share about that? No, there's nothing. Listen, I said clarity in terms of coming towards the end of the season and the end of the season. I think nothing's changed. I think if there's something to be said over the way then it'll be announced. But today was about the game and finishing the season strongly really for the players and for the whole club. So we'll see what happens in the next few days. Can you tell us at least how close it is? Because it feels very close, this official announcement. Yeah, there's a lot of rumours. This is quite interesting to see what's true and what's not.

39:31But that's not for me to get involved with. But listen, Clarity will come in the next few days. I mean, it is going to be him, isn't it? Yeah, well, it's highly unlikely he won't agree a deal, will he? Yes. I mean, he's going to sign, isn't he? Yeah. He deserves it, though, doesn't he? Yeah, yeah. No, listen, he was in the driving seat the last few months. Obviously, I'm guessing the remit for him was to get in the Champions League. They've done that, but still huge problems ahead. Was he still the best option out there? Obviously, we don't know what other managers they spoke to. But again, the fact he was winning football matches, again, still huge problems at United.

40:08Well, that's the point. Your point from what you said about what they need. I mean, he has got to be back now this season. Well, obviously, that's going to be part of his remit now in terms of recruitment and getting players in and getting some physicality in the middle of the pack and stop giving up the amount of goals they're given. That's now, obviously, that's the bigger picture he's got to try and fix. So they're the big challenges. And obviously over the next few months, anytime they have a little sticky patch, the issue will be, obviously, has he got the experience to cope with it? He's obviously managed Middlesbrough previously.

40:37He's had spells at United. So he's got the opportunity and good luck to him. And if he does well, fantastic. I've got my doubts, but we'll wait and see. But he was the right man just to calm everything down. Yeah, yeah. I think that's what you're trying to say in terms of top four. It seems like a safe decision from the club's point of view, but because obviously their previous decision backfired on them and they're probably obviously Carrick's come in on. Yeah, he's settled everybody down. They've won some football matches or the start of the day. To me, it's the safest decision for them and sometimes there's nothing wrong with that.

41:07But again, there's bigger challenges in terms of can United start competing at the very top, winning the big trophies. You know, again, huge question, Max, from my point of view. If that's a safe decision then, what do you make of the Xavi Alonso I love it Is that riskier both for club and individual or more for individual than club or not risky at all Yeah with all what's going on behind the scenes at Chelsea in terms of giving managers opportunity and time to do what they need to do we thought Rosinia was going to get longer period at Chelsea but a manager who's won trophies he's managed at the big club is experienced I think it's a perfect thing if he has control on recruitment and let's say Everyone talks about Chelsea's signings.

41:51They've got some good young players there. They just need the right manager to take that talent forward. And I think it could be a great appointment. I really do. And every decision's a risk, isn't it? It wouldn't be Alonso, Chelsea, Carrick. There's always a risk involved. And I still think managers don't know until they enter the building. Mike has made a point there. Would he be in charge of recruitment? These things we probably don't know. And they might give him the thumbs up before he gets in the job. And then you get in there, slightly different people move the goalposts. but it always seems a tough ask.

42:19It looks like, so I always get the impression, again, the lunatics are on the asylum down there. Just looks a bit of, again, a bit of a madhouse. Well, he's going to have authority, isn't he, because of the club. He's going to have a what? He's going to have authority because of the club that is managed. But also, he's very detailed in his coaching and I think for the young players, you can't get anyone better on the market right now for that. So I'm excited by it. I think he'll be a good fit. I want to see how he fares in the Premier League and hopefully he's got the time Would it help if they don't qualify for Europe?

42:49Of course it would. Look at Man United this season. No European football, one game a week, and you've seen... And that's the challenges that United will, of course, face next year. More games, a bit of travelling, more pressure on the players to turn up week in, week out. Yeah, that's the other challenge when you're in Europe, of course. That might be a plus for Chelsea not to be in. And the final thing with Chelsea is, Xavi Alonso often played with three at the back for Bayer Leverkusen, and having seen them in the cup final yesterday, three at the back may work for them, Chelsea? Or is that going one step too far?

43:22No, no, I like your thinking. I just feel sometimes three at the back is negative. I know it worked for him at Leverkusen, they went unbeaten, he was outstanding. Obviously, he went to Madrid, couldn't really deal with the big personalities, but because Chelsea have got a younger squad, I think he's flexible. He can go with a four, he can go with a five, he can go with a three, and that's what it's exciting about. How long is he staying for? Four years. Oh, four years. What was the senior? Was he six? Six years. Be gone by Christmas. Good after six and a half hours, we've ended on a positive. Six is more than that.

43:58It's eight and a half. It's eight and a half. I didn't say which Christmas. You didn't say which Christmas and it's six and a half because time has flown by with you. There you go. Right, let's show you what's on the way. Every Premier League game between now and the end of the season is here on Sky. Monday night, football turns the attention back to the title race. Arsenal against Burnley. Tuesday night, Bournemouth against Manchester City. And then we've got that game between Chelsea and Spurs. Remember, one point should be enough for Spurs to stay in the Premier League.

44:36The leader of the USPGA is Smalley, and this was a par putt on the third for him, which he sank, so he stays at Six under the leader in the clubhouse is Justin Thomas on five under. Plenty of golfers alongside him, including John Rahm. That is it. At the end of a long day, it looks like West Ham's stay in the Premier League may well be over. There's still a little bit of fight left in them. It could come down to the final day. Have you wanted to moonwalk before we leave? Oh, you're good. You're good? Oh, I might be. Bye.

45:18Thanks for listening to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Don't forget to hit follow so you don't miss an episode.

From the publisher

Mark Chapman is joined by Roy Keane and Micah Richards as the trio look back at West Ham United's costly 3-1 defeat away to Newcastle United, which sees the Hammers two points adrift from safety, with Tottenham Hotspur in 17th also having a game in hand.

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