Capital punishment for travelling Toon Army as a Hammer blow fells Magpies

NEWCASTLE United fans voted with their feet, with many choosing to head straight for the exits after this toothless display in the capital - and you can’t blame them.

- By LEE RYDER

This was supposed to be a protest for home supporters, but they left happy as Larry while Newcastle looked out of sorts. Some sloppy defending and failure to make the most of things when on top leaves Eddie Howe with lots to think about.

Howe started with a 4-3-3 system before switching to a back five in the second half but ending the game with a 4-5-1 formation - none of them having the desired effect on a day when three rightbacks were used in Emil Krafth, Jacob Murphy and Sandro Tonali.

Howe had made six changes to the side that beat Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup, with Kieran Trippier the most notable omission left out due to an illness, with Emil Krafth coming in to replace him. On a bright and breezy autumn afternoon, it was the Hammers who almost struck first with just four minutes when Jarrod Bowen struck one against the post. But just moments later, Bruno Guimaraes picked the ball up in the centre circle before rolling it wide to Jacob Murphy. The forward - still harbouring hopes of a late World Cup call-up - took seven touches before cutting in and thumping a shot from the right-hand side of the penalty area that left Alphonse Areola with no chance.