SBOTOP: Lucas Paqueta Inspires West Ham’s 3-1 Victory Over Newcastle to Secure First Home Win Since February

It was a night to remember at the London Stadium as West Ham United finally broke their long home drought with a convincing 3-1 victory over Newcastle United. Brazilian maestro Lucas Paquetá was at the heart of everything good for the Hammers, scoring a stunning goal and orchestrating play with flair and confidence. For a side that had not tasted victory at home since February, this was more than just three points — it was a statement of revival, resilience, and renewed belief.

The atmosphere before kickoff was a blend of anticipation and apprehension. David Moyes’ men had endured a difficult spell at home, with frustration building among fans who had grown weary of seeing their team struggle to impose themselves on familiar ground. Yet, from the first whistle, there was a noticeable energy in West Ham’s play — a spark that had been missing in previous fixtures. Newcastle, known for their aggressive press and counterattacking prowess, were met by a West Ham side determined to dictate the tempo and reclaim their confidence.

A Confident Start from the Hammers

West Ham began the match with purpose. Declan Rice’s departure in the summer had left a leadership void in midfield, but Paquetá’s evolution into a central creative force has been one of the season’s most promising developments. From the opening minutes, he demanded the ball, set the rhythm, and looked eager to make something happen every time possession came his way.

The first real opportunity came in the 10th minute, when Jarrod Bowen raced down the right flank, beating Dan Burn before delivering a teasing cross into the box. Michail Antonio rose highest but sent his header just over the bar. It was an early warning for Newcastle, who were being pinned back by West Ham’s aggression.

Newcastle’s response came through their talisman Alexander Isak. A quick combination between Bruno Guimarães and Anthony Gordon opened up space, allowing Isak to test Alphonse Areola with a curling effort from the edge of the box. The French goalkeeper was equal to it, diving low to parry the ball away.

But it was West Ham who looked hungrier, sharper, and more cohesive. Their pressing game unsettled Newcastle’s defenders, forcing errors and keeping the visitors from building momentum. James Ward-Prowse and Edson Álvarez provided balance in midfield, allowing Paquetá the freedom to roam and create. The chemistry between the trio was evident — for the first time in months, West Ham’s midfield looked controlled and commanding.

Paquetá’s Moment of Brilliance

The breakthrough came in the 27th minute, and it was pure Brazilian magic. After winning a free kick just outside the box, Paquetá stepped up with confidence. The London Stadium fell silent in anticipation. With a smooth run-up and exquisite technique, the Brazilian curled a left-footed strike over the wall and into the top corner, leaving Nick Pope rooted to the spot.

The roar from the home fans was deafening. It was a moment that encapsulated Paquetá’s class — a mix of elegance, precision, and flair. As he ran toward the corner flag, arms outstretched, teammates swarmed him in celebration.

The goal galvanized West Ham. Confidence surged through the team, and suddenly, every pass and every tackle carried intent. Bowen, in particular, thrived on the right wing, constantly tormenting Newcastle’s defense with his pace and trickery.

Newcastle, however, were not without chances. Just before halftime, they nearly equalized when Isak latched onto a cross from Trippier and forced Areola into a brilliant reflex save. Despite the scare, West Ham held firm and went into the break with a deserved 1-0 lead.

Second-Half Intensity Bowen Doubles the Lead

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle came out with more urgency after the break, pushing higher up the pitch and trying to stretch West Ham’s defensive line. Bruno Guimarães began to find pockets of space, and Gordon looked threatening on the left. Yet, for all their possession, Newcastle struggled to break through a disciplined Hammers defense marshaled by Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd.

Then, in the 58th minute, West Ham delivered the sucker punch. Paquetá, once again at the heart of the move, intercepted a loose pass from Joelinton and released a perfectly weighted through ball for Bowen. The winger darted into the box, cut inside, and unleashed a thunderous strike past Pope to make it 2-0.

The stadium erupted once more. Bowen’s goal — his eighth of the season — was a reward for his relentless energy and direct play. More importantly, it gave West Ham the breathing room they needed. For the first time in months, the team was playing with freedom and joy. The combination between Paquetá and Bowen seemed telepathic; every pass carried purpose, every movement was synchronized.

Newcastle, frustrated and chasing the game, made substitutions in an attempt to change their fortunes. Callum Wilson and Miguel Almirón were introduced, adding fresh legs to the attack. Their impact was immediate, as Newcastle began to press harder and test West Ham’s resilience.

Newcastle’s Response and the Tense Moments

In the 72nd minute, Newcastle clawed one back through Isak. A clever through ball from Guimarães split the defense, and Isak calmly slotted the ball past Areola to make it 2-1. The goal silenced the crowd momentarily and reignited Newcastle’s hopes of salvaging a result.

Sensing momentum shifting, Howe urged his men forward. For a ten-minute spell, West Ham found themselves under intense pressure. Cross after cross flew into the box, but Zouma and Aguerd stood tall, heading away danger after danger.

Areola made another crucial save in the 80th minute, diving acrobatically to deny Almirón’s curling shot from distance. It was a reminder of how fragile leads can be in the Premier League, where games can change in a heartbeat.

Despite Newcastle’s late surge, West Ham showed maturity and composure. Rather than panic, they absorbed pressure and looked for opportunities to counterattack. Moyes’ substitutions — bringing on Benrahma and Kudus — added fresh pace and creativity to the side, ensuring that Newcastle’s high defensive line remained vulnerable.

Kudus Seals the Win

The decisive moment came in the 88th minute. As Newcastle committed men forward, West Ham broke on the counter. Paquetá, still full of energy, carried the ball through midfield before slipping a precise pass into the path of Mohammed Kudus.

The Ghanaian winger, who had been lively since coming on, took one touch before curling a composed finish into the bottom corner. The goal made it 3-1 and sent the London Stadium into a frenzy. Kudus sprinted to the corner, his celebration reflecting both relief and triumph.

It was the perfect ending to a dominant performance. Paquetá’s involvement in all three goals underlined his growing influence at the club, while the victory marked an important psychological breakthrough for West Ham. The team’s home form had been a worrying issue, but this performance showed that when their key players click, they are capable of beating anyone.