The sign of a true contender is to win when you are not at your absolute best. Newcastle United took that adage to the next level in the visitors' 5-1 victory at West Ham, recording their joint-biggest ever away win in Premier League history at the London Stadium in the process. Worryingly for their rivals, Newcastle can play even better than they did on Wednesday night.
Although Newcastle were helped by some slapstick defending, Eddie Howe's ruthless team took full advantage and the recalled Callum Wilson and Joelinton pitched in with a double each while substitute Alexander Isak got in on the act late on with a superb lob from distance. It said it all that there were no over the top celebrations after Isak and Joelinton's goals late on - it was just all so routine. Rather than this being a season highlight, like it would have been in a previous era, these players are hungry for more.
The away end had long implored their side to 'take the p---' before those goals and completed passes were met with shouts of 'olé'. To think some of these supporters saw Newcastle go four years without winning in London once upon a time. Now, the capital has become a happy hunting ground in the Premier League for their side.
