West Ham United saw their Premier League survival hopes take a major hit after a damaging 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s struggling side missed the chance to climb out of the relegation zone and are now relying heavily on results elsewhere, particularly Chelsea beating Tottenham, to keep their slim hopes alive heading into the final round.
West Ham’s problems began with costly defensive mistakes, allowing Harvey Barnes to set up Nick Woltemade for the opener before William Osula struck minutes later to leave the visitors rattled. Despite substitute Valentin Castellanos injecting some urgency and later scoring a stunning long-range effort, Osula’s second-half goal had already placed Newcastle firmly in control.
The defeat leaves West Ham stuck in 18th place with a poor goal difference worsening their predicament, while Newcastle climbed to 11th after securing a comfortable home victory.
