Newcastle United beat West Ham United 3-2 on Saturday afternoon.
Adrian of West Ham United looks back as Henri Saivet of Newcastle United scores
Newcastle United claimed their first win in nine Premier League games as they beat West Ham United 3-2 at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Magpies have lost eight of their previous nine games heading into their trip to East London, and fell behind when Henri Saivet’s mistake allowed Marko Arnautovic to score a superb solo goal.
However, Saivet – making his first Premier League appearance of the season – responded with a superb free kick to equalise, before Mohamed Diame put Newcastle in front in the second half.
Christian Atsu made it 3-1 after Andre Ayew’s penalty was saved by Rob Elliot, but Ayew did pull one back in what proved to be just a consolation, as Newcastle held out for a 3-2 win.
Manager Rafael Benitez will be pleased to have ended such a torrid run of form, and particularly pleased that his gamble to play Saivet ultimately paid off.
A 2016 signing from Bordeaux, Saivet has barely been given a chance by Benitez having been loaned out to Saint-Etienne last season, with Saturday’s game just his second appearance of the entire season.
Newcastle United’s Senegalese midfielder Henri Saivet (L) celebrates with teammates
The Senegal international may have made an early error, but responded with an outstanding free kick and a strong performance to match, prompting praise from Newcastle fans on Twitter.
Many were inspired by Saivet’s attitude after so long on the sidelines, highlighting that midfielder Jonjo Shelvey should take notice of his desire, adding that he could be like a new signing with a little more confidence.
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