October 08, (THEWILL) – West Ham snatched a 2-2 draw against Newcastle thanks to substitute Mohammed Kudus scoring his first English Premier League goal in the final minute.
The Hammers had taken an early lead when Tomas Soucek converted Lucas Paqueta’s chipped pass, but Newcastle equalised through Alexander Isak before he put them ahead. However, Kudus, the £38 million summer signing from Ajax, struck in the 89th minute to earn West Ham a deserved point.
Newcastle had dominated possession in the first half but struggled to create chances, with Miguel Almiron firing wide and Dan Burn heading off target. The Magpies finally tested Alphonse Areola after the break, but moments later Isak pounced to equalise for Newcastle after inadvertently heading on Kieran Trippier’s free kick.
Within five minutes Newcastle went ahead when Trippier’s volleyed cross was tucked away by Isak for his second. The Swede nearly completed a hat-trick soon after but could only hit the post from a tight angle. It proved costly as Kudus thundered in the leveller from 20 yards to snatch a point for West Ham.
The result leaves both teams in mid-table after busy weeks in Europe. West Ham drew in the Europa League on Thursday while Newcastle secured a famous Champions League win over Paris St Germain on Wednesday. The point continues the Hammers’ decent home form, but they must feel they could have won it when Said Benrahma missed a late chance.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
