West Ham United ended 10-man Newcastle United's six-game winning streak this afternoon as Aaron Cresswell's strike secured them a 1-0 win at Upton Park.
The left-back tucked home after 56 minutes following Cheikhou Kouyate's misdirected shot, before Moussa Sissoko was shown two yellow cards in the space of a minute for kicking the ball away and a clash with Andy Carroll.
The result means that the Hammers climb back up to fifth in the Premier League table, while the Magpies slip to eighth place.
Here, Sports Mole picks apart the 90 minutes in London.
Match statistics
WEST HAM UNITED
Shots: 12
On target: 3
Possession: 47%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 9
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Shots: 7
On target: 1
Possession: 53%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 16
Was the result fair?
Both sides were evenly matched in the first half, but the Magpies largely unravelled after the break following West Ham's goal, which was lucky yet well taken at the same time, getting themselves needlessly reduced to 10 men. Because the Hammers were more clinical and disciplined, they deserved the win.
West Ham's performance
The Hammers did not put a foot wrong all game. They were solid at the back, with goalkeeper Adrian rarely being tested, while the midfielders and forwards, though generally unspectacular, were not guilty of any major mistakes. They did have some scary moments in injury time, but were able to see it out and secure all three points.
Newcastle's performance
Alan Pardew is sure to have some stern words for Sissoko in the aftermath of the game, because the Magpies were not necessarily worthy of a defeat for most of the 90 minutes. In the first half, they were evenly matched with the hosts, and were it not for his thoughtless actions that saw him sent off, they could have claimed something from the game. They caused panic deep into injury time and could have seized a draw were they more clinical, but it was not to be.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Aaron Cresswell: The former Ipswich man was a constant menace to the Newcastle back line, but also contributed defensively. For him to get the winner - his first goal for the Hammers - was well deserved.
Biggest gaffe
Without a doubt, Sissoko kicking the ball away to accrue a yellow card, followed a minute later by a clash with Carroll to be shown a red. Just pure petulance.
Referee performance
Mike Dean made one questionable decision when, in the 39th minute, he awarded Newcastle a goal kick despite the ball not leaving the pitch and Jarvis being fouled in the box, but three minutes later, he was correct to wave away penalty claims when Carroll's shot hit Mike Williamson's arm, as it was clearly accidental.
What next?
West Ham United: The Hammers, now fifth in the Premier League table, travel to West Bromwich Albion next Tuesday.
Newcastle United: The Magpies, eighth in the table following their defeat, travel to Burnley on the same evening.
Giuseppe Labellarte
