FROM LONDON STADIUM—Everything has gone right for Nick Woltemade at Newcastle United. Until today here away at struggling West Ham. The tall German has been one of the most successful signings of the season, playing as a No.10 and creating chances for his team-mates, and scoring goals with the clinical touch of a No. 9. So it was surprising and controversial to see Newcastle’s leading scorer withdrawn at half-time by his head coach, Eddie Howe, with his team trailing. Howe and why?
Woltemade enjoyed no service, and was left so isolated by his midfield and wingers that he managed only one touch in the area, reflective of the visitors’ overall passivity. “I almost could have taken anyone off,” Howe said by way of explanation. “The team needed some shaking up at half-time. The physicality and dynamism wasn’t there for us.”
