David Moyes insisted there was 'no drama' after West Ham United squandered the chance to move third in the Premier League, losing 3-2 at relegation-threatened Newcastle United on Saturday. The Hammers' defensive frailties were exposed as they conceded three goals for the third time in four matches, leaving their Champions League hopes dented.
West Ham's troubles began in the 36th minute when Issa Diop turned Allan Saint-Maximin's weak shot into his own net. The situation worsened as Craig Dawson received a second yellow card for a clumsy challenge in the build-up, reducing the visitors to ten men. Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski then made a hash of a routine corner, allowing Joelinton to double Newcastle's lead before half-time.
Despite the setbacks, West Ham fought back in the second half, levelling the score at 2-2. However, Joe Willock capitalised on slack defending to head a late winner, denying the visitors a point. Moyes remained upbeat, praising his players' character: 'The players did a great job of getting back into it. There's no frustration whatsoever. The players are doing brilliantly.'
The defeat means West Ham's hold on a Champions League spot is no longer in their own hands, with Liverpool and Chelsea able to leapfrog them by winning their games in hand. Former Newcastle boss Graeme Souness criticised the avoidable nature of the goals, saying, 'All three goals were avoidable. Dawson panics, has a poor first touch, lunges for it.'
West Ham now face a crucial showdown with fifth-placed Chelsea next Saturday. Moyes remained defiant: 'There's no drama, we're not getting too down about it. We've had a couple of good results, we're doing ok. We need to stop conceding goals, but it's individual mistakes more than anything else.'
