Newcastle United underline Champions League credentials with West Ham hammering as Eddie Howe proves master tactician

LONDON: Eddie Howe proved master tactician for Newcastle United this week as his double personnel change drew instant Premier League results.

Despite rarely changing a winning side, Howe shuffled his pack at the London Stadium, recalling Callum Wilson and Joelinton to the side, with in-form Joe Willock and Alexander Isak. It proved an inspired call as the Magpies ran riot with both Wilson and Joelinton netting twice apiece in a blistering display in the capital’s East End.

Kurt Zouma scored for the struggling Hammers, who remain deep in relegation trouble, while substitute Alexander Isak also got in on the act off the bench.

Howe admits he knew he’d live or die by his tough selection calls.

The head coach said: “I think I’ve got a strong squad, and with three games in six days, I want the players to enter the pitch in the best physical condition possible.

“In my opinion, I’d be foolish not to rotate and trust the team. I trust the squad and the players coming in. I’ve got no doubt on the quality, and we’ve got a lot of games in a short period of time.

“It’s always going to be judged by the result whether that (the rotation) is successful or not, and of course I want to keep people fit and give them the best chance to play as many games as possible.

“Callum was very good, that goes without saying, and the two goals were very important goals for us. His all-round performance was very strong, but that’s not a surprise to me. I can’t rate Callum any higher than I do, and with him and Alex, we’ve got two outstanding center-forwards.”

While the scoreline might not fully reflect it, it was the hosts who got off to a flyer, with the Magpies looking a little weary after a bruising 2-0 win over fellow Champions