Newcastle's players finally deflected some of the criticism that has been heading in the direction of their manager Bobby Robson during a dreadful sequence of results.
"It's been poor, bad, depressing," admitted Robson as he looked back on seven matches that produced only two points and left some Newcastle supporters questioning whether this was a job for a 68-year-old. Robson's enthusiasm has remained undimmed, however, and he was rewarded yesterday with goals from Carl Cort - his third in four games - and Nolberto Solano.
"My emotions are a mixture of relief and joy," said the Newcastle manager. "If we had lost, we would have been miserable and a bit fearful but we've won and come out of the rut. People are now more buoyant." There was also the bonus of a return by Nikos Dabizas, out since the opening day of the season because of a knee injury. Dabizas could not have asked for an easier re-introduction to the Premiership. West Ham, who rested Paolo di Canio and lost Frederic Kanoute with a hip injury after 22 minutes, were a shadow of the side that did so well in mid-season.
They appeared to accept their fate once Cort scored the opening goal 10 minutes after Kanoute departed. Cort, again illustrating what Newcastle missed during his six-month absence through injury, turned the ball in from close range after Solano's cross from the right stranded Shaka Hislop.
Solano claimed the second goal from the penalty spot after his cross was handled by Nigel Winterburn.
Robson was critical of sloppy defensive play that ended with Steve Caldwell bringing down Rigobert Song to present Frank Lampard with a penalty opportunity in the 80th minute. West Ham failed to build on that goal and might have conceded one when Hislop saved superbly from Clarence Acuna late on.
Their manager Harry Redknapp had no complaints at the result but still has worries about safety from relegation. "We still need a win," he said. Newcastle's overdue success, however, lifts them clear of the relegation situation.
NEWCASTLE: Given, Barton (Stephen Caldwell 9), O'Brien, Dabizas, Quinn, Solano, Bassedas, Lee (Acuna 77), Speed, Cort, Gallacher (Lua-Lua 89). Subs Not Used: Harper, Cordone. Goals: Cort 32, Solano 56 pen.
WEST HAM: Hislop, Stimac, Song, Ian Pearce, Schemmel (Dailly 45), Winterburn, Moncur (Diawara 69), Lampard, Carrick, Cole, Kanoute (Todorov 22). Subs Not Used: Bywater, Soma. Booked: Dailly. Goals: Lampard 80 pen.
Referee: P Durkin (Dorset).
