As Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth (and possibly others) waved goodbye to Newcastle United, there was a feeling that those inside St. James’ Park were witnessing the end of something. Not Eddie Howe, despite some of the calls for change this season, but instead an era.
An era that started in the dark days at the end of 2021 and peaked at Wembley last March, with two Champions League qualifications and campaigns in there too. Of course, there is no denying that in recent months it has become sour, frustrating and even toxic, if online forums are to be believed, but it seemed fitting that it ended with a win, a glorious habit for the majority of the last four and a half years.
Howe agreed that “it possibly could be” the end of an era, following his side’s straightforward win against relegation-threatened West Ham. He added that “one or two players can define an era. There was almost an end of one type of Newcastle team when Alex [Isak] left in my opinion, and a new team was forming.”
That new team has not quite yet taken shape, highlighted by the issues of this season, but the upcoming transfer window, Howe will hope, allow it to fully form in the style he would like.
“I think our team has changed slowly over the last four years for various reasons. This summer possibly might see a different speed in terms of that change”, Howe said, clearly hinting at a summer of change and upheaval.
What remained of this era was good enough to tear apart a lacklustre West Ham side for large parts of the encounter. Newcastle had looked threatening in the opening exchanges. It felt almost like an exhibition match with some of the liquid football on display, with quality moments from Lewis Hall, Sandro Tonali and William Osula, to name a few. It felt inevitable that a lead would soon arrive.
It came before the quarter hour mark, thanks to a well-placed volley from Nick Woltemade, someone who certainly would have been happy to return to the scoresheet. His goal came as a result of Harvey Barnes winning back the ball on the right, before delivering a deft cross straight to the big German.
As if freed from the pressures of this season, Newcastle soon made it two. William Osula, who has been in fine form of late, calmly slotted home underneath Mads Hermansen in the West Ham goal, having been released by Jacob Ramsey. Out came a Michael Jackson-style sparkly glove, as the young Dane celebrated by showing off some impressive moves. There was certainly no doubting his thriller credentials.
The Magpies were able to add a third midway through the second half, much to Nuno Espírito Santo’s displeasure, given that it came direct from a West Ham throw in. The ball was stolen by Newcastle who pressed forward with Osula in possession. He found Joe Willock, who then returned it to Osula in the middle, allowing the forward to slot home for his second.
The West Ham Head Coach was measured in his assessment post-match. A “bad performance” he described it as. He wasn’t wrong.
His side looked devoid of ideas until a moment of inspiration came from Taty Castellanos caught out most inside St. James’ Park, including Nick Pope. The Argentine’s long range effort looped over Pope and into the net, and injected some life into the Hammers, albeit not enough to change the result.
West Ham could be relegated on Tuesday, if Tottenham defeat Chelsea. “Even though it’s difficult it’s still alive”, he continued, trying to keep the fire burning, but he was under no illusion that West Ham’s fate is not in their hands.
Newcastle, on the other hand, are a club whose fate is in their hands, with improvements desperately needed next season.
“I want to see entertaining, attacking, intense football”, Howe said. “I want to see us take the game to the opposition and I want to see them [the supporters] off their seats enjoying what they see.”
That was the rallying cry of a man who knows next season must be better. The traits he mentioned have all been seen previously during his reign, but have largely gone missing this season. If this is to be the end of an era, the next one must be even more emphatic than the last.
