Rafa Benitez will take plenty of positives from Newcastle’s comfortable 3-0 win over West Ham United on Saturday afternoon at St. James’ Park.
Benitez’s men took the lead in the first half as Mike Merino threaded an inch-perfect pass into Christian Atsu, who unselfishly squared to Joselu to tap home from close range.
The second goal came in the final 20 minutes of the match, as Matt Ritchie crossed for defender Ciaran Clark to head home off the post past West Ham goalkeeper Joe Hart, before Mitrovic rounded the England goalkeeper late on to score.
The likes of Michail Antonio, Javier Hernandez and Manuel Lanzini could not break down Newcastle’s tough defensive rearguard, as they held on to the three points.
Footballl Weeks considers three big points from Championship champions’ 3-0 win over West Ham, including how a 24-year-old should be sold and replaced before the transfer window get shuts.