NEWCASTLE SINK MAN UNITED; WEST HAM SECURE VITAL WIN

There were two Premier League fixtures taking place on Sunday. Here is what went down around the grounds.

Newcastle down Manchester United

Scorers: Willock 65′, Wilson 88′

Newcastle United secured the statement win they were looking for, downing Manchester United with two second-half goals to jump up into the top-four.

It was a rip-roaring opening 15 minutes at St. James’ Park. Both sides looked keen to push for the opening goal, with Newcastle seeing the better chances.

A superb David de Gea double save from close range denied Newcastle the opening goal, but the Magpie threat was growing with each passing minute.

The opening spells of chaos faded away, as both teams settled into the game.

It was one-way traffic after the break, as Newcastle played on the front foot and pinned United into their own half. However, like the first half, Eddie Howe’s men appeared to leave their shooting boots at home on the day.

Finally, the deadlock was broken. A superb header back across goal from Allan Saint-Maximin picked out Joe Willock, who could do nothing but score from point-blank range.

The game was all but put to bed in the dying minutes as Callum Wilson headed in Newcastle’s second of the day to set St. James’ Park alight.

The resounding result sees Newcastle leapfrog Erik ten Hag’s men into the top-four on goal difference.

Hammers win relegation six-pointer

Scorers: Aguerd 25′

West Ham moved out of the relegation zone and mired Southampton further into trouble in their huge battle at the bottom of the table.

But it was the Hammers who took the lead after 25 minutes when Nayef Aguerd steered a header past the static Gavin Bazunu, with the goal allowed to stand after a VAR check.

Jarrod Bowen went close to adding to their advantage shortly before the half-time whistle but bent his strike against the woodwork.

Bazunu then saved well from a Saïd Benrahma free-kick after the break before Bowen almost forced an own goal with a dangerous cross but no further goals were forthcoming as West Ham held out for a huge win after Paul Onuachu headed against the bar with four minutes remaining.

They rise to 14th as a result, while the Saintsremain bottom, although they are still just three points from safety.