Craig Dawson was back on the scoresheet for West Ham United against Newcastle United at the London Stadium on Saturday, thrilling some Hammers fans reacting on social media.
The Irons welcomed Eddie Howe’s side to east London seeking to get back in the Premier League top-four places. David Moyes’ men fell to fifth last week after salvaging a point at Leicester City, with Dawson stabbing the ball home in stoppage-time for the equaliser.
Dawson had not scored a top-flight goal for the Hammers since last March before netting at the King Power Stadium. The centre-half struck three goals in 22 appearances during a season-long loan spell from Watford last term before completing a bargain £2m move.
Moyes has kept Dawson as one of his favoured centre-backs this term with Saturday his 23rd outing so far. The 31-year-old has started all but three of the Irons’ Premier League fixtures thus far and has opened all games since beating Aston Villa at the end of October.
West Ham fans were glad Dawson started against Newcastle as the defender turned home the opener in the 32nd-minute. He rose to turn Aaron Cresswell’s late first-half free-kick in with a free header. But Joe Willock would reply for the Magpies early in stoppage-time.
Neither side could find a second goal during the second-half and had to settle for a point a piece. The result keeps West Ham fifth, a point behind Manchester United who visit Leeds United on Sunday. But the Hammers have now played one game more than the Red Devils.
West Ham fans hail ‘goal-scoring machine’ Craig Dawson
Dawson’s display was not perfect having survived an early VAR review for a possible red card against Newcastle. But his goalscoring exploits thrilled some fans on social media with Michail Antonio’s goal drought continuing. He is now six league games without a goal.
So, here are some of the messages West Ham fans shared of Dawson against Newcastle…
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