West Ham 3-1 Newcastle: Paquetá Stars as Nuno Secures First Home Win Since February
Gabriel Sebopeng 3 November 2025 21

West Ham United ended a brutal six-month home drought with a 3-1 thrashing of Newcastle United at the London Stadium on Sunday, November 2, 2025 — their first league win at home since February. The result wasn’t just a boost for morale; it was a statement. Under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo, the Hammers finally looked like a team with direction, while Newcastle United, once riding high in the top four, collapsed under tactical confusion and a lack of cohesion. Brazilian playmaker Lucas Paquetá was the architect of the win, pulling strings, creating chances, and scoring the opening goal in the 4th minute — a moment that set the tone for everything that followed.

A Team That Finally Showed Up

For West Ham, this was more than just three points. It was the first time since their 2-1 win over Brighton on February 15, 2025, that they’d won at home in the Premier League. Four straight defeats — including a 2-1 loss to Leeds United just days earlier — had fans questioning whether Nuno’s arrival was a fix or a footnote. The Portuguese manager, hired on October 20 after Graham Potter’s abrupt exit, inherited a squad drowning in confidence. But against Newcastle, something clicked. The midfield was compact. The full-backs pushed high. And when Paquetá received the ball, he didn’t just pass — he *commanded*.

The second goal, a crisp 30th-minute finish from Michail Antonio, came after a devastating counter. Newcastle had pushed forward, leaving space behind. Paquetá spotted it, slipped a pass through the middle, and Antonio — calm as ever — tucked it past Nick Pope. By halftime, West Ham led 2-0. The crowd, long silent this season, roared like they hadn’t in years.

Newcastle’s Tactical Meltdown

Newcastle entered this match on a three-match winning streak — 2-1 over Fulham, 2-0 over Tottenham in the EFL Cup — and sat fourth in the table with 28 points. But from the first whistle, they looked lost. Eddie Howe’s side, usually so fluid and dangerous on the break, had no rhythm. Alexander Isak, their talismanic striker, was isolated. Anthony Gordon looked hesitant. Jacob Murphy, who scored Newcastle’s lone goal in the 61st minute, was the only player who looked like he wanted to win.

"Think back to all those good goals we’ve scored this season," said one YouTube analyst in a widely shared breakdown. "Isak drops deep, Bruno gets the ball, Gordon and Langanger run into space. Today? Nothing. He was alone. And the subs? They came on looking confused. Howe was changing systems mid-game — three at the back, then back to four. No clarity. No identity."

The third goal, in the 77th minute, was the killer. A simple through ball from Paquetá found Said Benrahma, who slotted it past Pope. The goal wasn’t fancy — but it was devastatingly efficient. It exposed a defense that had no idea how to close space, no one to track runners, no one to shout instructions. The collapse wasn’t just physical — it was mental.

What Nuno Changed

Nuno didn’t bring in new stars. He didn’t overhaul the squad. He changed the mindset. Before this match, he reportedly told his players: "You’re not here to survive. You’re here to fight." And fight they did. West Ham pressed higher. They closed down faster. They stopped playing like they were waiting for luck to turn.

Compared to their 2-1 loss to Leeds — where they had 59% possession but only three shots on target — this was a different team. Against Newcastle, they had 54% possession and eight shots on target. The difference? Intent. The players looked like they believed Nuno’s message. Even veteran midfielder Tomáš Souček, often criticized for being too slow, was everywhere — intercepting, tackling, organizing.

"Nuno wasn’t messing around," said NBC Sports’ sideline reporter during the broadcast. "He saw the last few weeks. He knew the fans were losing faith. He knew the club needed a spark. And he gave them one."

The Relegation Battle Heats Up

Before this match, West Ham sat 16th — just one point above the relegation zone with 12 points from 14 games. This win lifted them to 15th, still in danger, but breathing. For Newcastle, the loss was catastrophic. They dropped to 7th place, six points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, and now face a grueling run-in to secure Champions League football. Their three-match winning streak? Gone. Their top-four hopes? In tatters.

"This isn’t just about points," said a former Premier League defender on Sky Sports. "It’s about belief. Newcastle had belief. Now? They’re staring at a long winter. West Ham? They’ve got a manager who’s finally giving them something to believe in."

What’s Next?

West Ham travel to Everton next Sunday, a match they must win to keep momentum. Nuno will be looking to integrate new signing Haji Wright, who made his debut as a substitute in this game. Meanwhile, Newcastle face a brutal run: Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea over the next three weeks. Howe’s job security is now under serious scrutiny. Reports suggest the club’s board is already reviewing options — even if they publicly back him.

The London Stadium, built on the site of the old Boleyn Ground, has seen its share of highs and lows. But on November 2, 2025, it felt alive again. For the first time in months, the chants weren’t desperate. They were proud.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Lucas Paquetá influence the match beyond scoring?

Paquetá didn’t just score the opener — he completed 92% of his passes, made five key passes, and created three clear scoring chances. His movement between the lines pulled Newcastle’s midfield apart, forcing them to chase him instead of marking West Ham’s forwards. He was the only player on the pitch with consistent vision under pressure, and his leadership in the final third was the difference between a flat performance and a breakthrough win.

Why was Alexander Isak so ineffective for Newcastle?

Isak was isolated because Newcastle’s midfield failed to provide him with service or movement to draw defenders away. He received just three passes in the final third and was marked tightly by West Ham’s center-backs. Without Bruno Guimarães or Joe Willock creating space, Isak had nowhere to run. His only shot on target came from a long-range effort in the 85th minute — too little, too late.

What does this result mean for West Ham’s survival chances?

West Ham now have 15 points from 15 games, moving them above Burnley and into 15th place. With only four points separating them from 12th, they’re no longer automatic relegation candidates — but they’re not safe either. Their next three matches — Everton, Brighton, and Crystal Palace — are winnable. If they take at least six points from those, they’ll be in a strong position to survive.

Is Eddie Howe’s job in danger after this defeat?

Yes. Newcastle’s board had been patient with Howe, but this loss ended a three-match winning streak and knocked them out of the top four. With only 17 points from 15 games now, and a brutal fixture list ahead, the pressure is mounting. Sources close to the club say a meeting with the owner is scheduled for next week. If they lose to Manchester City next Sunday, calls for his replacement could grow loud.

How does this win compare to West Ham’s previous home performances this season?

Before this match, West Ham had lost four straight home league games, scoring just two goals and conceding nine. Their possession stats were decent — often over 55% — but they lacked cutting edge. Against Newcastle, they were more direct, more aggressive, and more clinical. They turned 54% possession into eight shots on target, compared to just three in the Leeds loss. This wasn’t luck — it was structure.

What role did the London Stadium crowd play in the result?

The crowd was electric from the first whistle — the loudest at the stadium since the 2023 FA Cup final. Fans chanted Nuno’s name after the first goal and didn’t stop until the final whistle. The noise visibly rattled Newcastle’s defenders, especially during set pieces. One West Ham player admitted afterward that the atmosphere "felt like the old days," when the Boleyn Ground was a fortress. That energy translated into intensity on the pitch.