On a frigid night in Tyneside, West Ham showcased their resilience, much to the relief of their under-pressure manager, Julen Lopetegui. The team, driven by impressive performances from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen, displayed a level of clinical finishing that has been notably lacking in Newcastle's play. Goals from Soucek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka not only secured a vital victory for West Ham but also provided a much-needed boost to Lopetegui's precarious position as manager. This win lifted West Ham to 14th place in the league, just three points behind Eddie Howe's Newcastle, who saw their aspirations for Champions League qualification take a hit.