Newcastle's winning streak in the Premier League is broken

The 89th-minute goal caused Newcastle to be held to a 2-2 draw by West Ham in round 8 of the Premier League on the evening of October 8.

Fresh from a 4-1 win over PSG in the Champions League, Newcastle now face a tough task - taking points away from in-form West Ham. Despite being without key centre-back Sven Botman due to injury, a run of three consecutive wins in the Premier League has given Eddie Howe's side a boost in confidence.

Mohammed Kudus equalized for West Ham late in the second half. Photo: AP

However, after an exciting opening few minutes, Newcastle's defence, who had not conceded a goal in the last three games, made a mistake. Goalkeeper Nick Pope rushed out to intercept a long pass but missed. As a result, he was passed by Emerson and watched helplessly as the defender set up Tomas Soucek to open the scoring.

This was Soucek's third goal in his last four games for West Ham. This season, the Czech midfielder has been encouraged by manager David Moyes to enter the penalty area more often, with Edson Alvarez behind him. This has allowed Soucek to develop his strengths in choosing positions in the penalty area. He and new signing James Ward-Prowse have created drills from midfield, helping to diversify West Ham's style of play.

Newcastle responded after conceding. In-form midfielder Miguel Almiron shot wide after dribbling down the right. As usual, Newcastle were particularly dangerous from dead-ball situations with Kieran Trippier's free-kick ability. The defender almost assisted the next when Dan Burn headed just wide.

With the advantage of leading the score, West Ham actively played a successful defense and waited for opportunities. Their intention seemed to be successful when in a corner kick in the second half, Alvarez headed wide of the post.

Pope made a mistake for Newcastle's first goal. Photo: West Ham United — Pope made a mistake for Newcastle's first goal. Photo: *West Ham United*

However, Newcastle showed the spirit of a team that finished in the top four last season. Constantly applying pressure, the "Magpies" reaped the rewards when in a free kick, Alvarez cleared the ball wrongly, sending the ball to Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker did not miss this gift. Five minutes later, Isak again put Newcastle ahead with a close-range tap-in after a cross from Trippier.

This was Isak's fifth goal in his last five games for Newcastle in all competitions. His form has seen the 24-year-old take the centre-forward spot, leaving Callum Wilson on the bench. With a brace, Isak was voted the best player of the match by Whoscored . For Trippier, this was his fourth consecutive game with an assist and his sixth in his last four games.

Isak should have scored a hat-trick in the 73rd minute, beating goalkeeper Alphonse Areola but hitting the post. Howe regretted the miss so much that after the match he mentioned it as one of the reasons Newcastle missed out on the win.

Isak himself was substituted in the 86th minute and had to watch his team equalise three minutes later. Substitute Mohammed Kudus secured a point for West Ham with a stunning volley, his first Premier League goal for the Ghanaian since joining from Ajax in August.

After the international break, Newcastle will have a chance to regain their winning streak when they host Crystal Palace in round nine on October 21. Meanwhile, West Ham will visit Aston Villa in their next match.

Quang Huy

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