David Moyes admitted West Ham were never in control of Saturday’s meeting with Newcastle, after watching his team snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
The Hammers led 3-1 at St. James’s Park heading into the final 13 minutes but conceded three times as substitute Harvey Barnes inspired a stunning Toon fightback.
Moyes’s side had themselves come from behind to lead earlier in a rollercoaster contest, with goals from Michail Antonio, Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen replying to the first of two Alexander Isak penalties.
"We did a lot of good things but didn't defend well enough,” Moyes said. “We scored some good goals and we were a threat but in the end we conceded one more goal than they did.
"We scored a minute into the second half but I don't think you can say we were in control at 3-1. It's small margins.”
The key turning point came in the award of Newcastle’s second penalty, with Moyes frustrated that substitute Kalvin Phillips was penalised for unintentionally kicking through the leg of Anthony Gordon as he attempted to clear.
“I think a couple of decisions the referee made on penalty kicks,” Moyes added. “I think the second one, Gordon restricts Kalvin Phillips from kicking the ball. I actually think it's the wrong decision.
“We had so many things that didn't go in our favour today but there were a lot of good things the players did."
