Callum Wilson and Joelinton double up as Newcastle thrash West Ham

This was a painful lesson for West Ham in focus, finishing and discipline. A rampant Newcastle deserved this handsome victory at the London Stadium, if only because they succeeded in getting the basics right. They profited from Callum Wilson and Joelinton punishing some awful defending from West Ham, who could not take an opportunity to pull clear of the bottom three, and are closing in on the Champions League after their fourth consecutive win.

It was a rout for Eddie Howe’s side, who are too clinical and resilient to be undone by opponents as generous as this. Newcastle did not even have to be special. Indeed, they survived some awkward moments during a pulsating first half, but the result never truly felt in doubt. Newcastle were too quick and strong. They could have had more than five and had David Moyes staring into the middle distance after Joelinton rounded off the scoring in added time.

West Ham’s fight had disappeared. They had not lost at home since December but the pressure is back on Moyes after this defeat. The worry is that West Ham’s away form. They visit Fulham on Saturday and cannot relax yet.

There was a spectacular light show before kick-off, the music pumping, the noise building, but West Ham’s energy soon dimmed. They had flown out of the traps, hounding Newcastle, and could have made life far more comfortable for themselves. The early signs, after all, were encouraging. It appeared there was an edge to West Ham. They were quick to the loose balls, direct when they attacked and unfortunate not to lead after a minute, the first chance arriving when Jarrod Bowen tore down the right, held off Dan Burn and produced a cutback so inviting it almost made Bruno Guimarães turn the ball into his own net.

Guima