West Ham United are staring relegation in the face after a 3-1 defeat at Newcastle United, leaving them on the brink of dropping out of the Premier League. Will Osula scored twice for the Magpies, with Nick Woltemade also on target, as the Hammers' defensive frailties were exposed at St James' Park.
The defeat means West Ham will be relegated on Tuesday if Tottenham beat Chelsea. Even if Spurs lose, Nuno Espirito Santo's side would need to beat Leeds and hope other results go their way. 'This week, more than ever, it is going to be required to finish the season with dignity,' said the West Ham manager.
Newcastle took control early, with Woltemade scoring his first league goal since December after Harvey Barnes intercepted a pass. Osula added a second within four minutes, outpacing Axel Disasi to fire home. Nuno responded by substituting defender Jean-Clair Todibo for striker Taty Castellanos, switching to a back four.
Castellanos gave West Ham hope with a spectacular finish and later hit the crossbar, but Osula's second goal sealed the win. Fans expressed their displeasure at full time, with Nuno admitting: 'They showed their frustration with reason. We didn't make ourselves or them proud.'
West Ham's final match is at home against Leeds, where they must win and hope for a Tottenham defeat to have any chance of survival.
