CUE THE CELEBRATIONS! Newcastle will play Premier League football in 2015-16!
90' +1
Into the first of three minutes of stoppage time here, and the word is there will be seven at the KC Stadium, but that is likely just a formality at this point as Newcastle are showing no signs of letting this slip away.
89'
Y. Gouffran enters the game and replaces V. Anita.
There is a loud ovation for Anita as he makes his way off the pitch, slowly, with Newcastle running the clock down to the final whistle. The Dutchman spurned a glorious chance just moments ago, but he has been exceptional today for the Magpies. Yoan Gouffran is the man to replace him.
87'
It has been more than two years since Jonas has scored a Premier League goal and he couldn't have picked a better time to end that drought. It will mean so much to him and to these fans, as the celebration has begun at St. James' Park! You can't understate the romanticism of this moment for the Argentine.
86'
J. Gutiérrez gets yellow.
85'
J. Gutiérrez has scored a goal for Newcastle United! Assist by J. Colback.
NEWCASTLE WILL PLAY PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL NEXT SEASON! They have survived surely now and what a moment this is for Jonas Gutierrez! He's battled life-threatening illness this season and he's back here for the Magpies scoring the goal that will keep them in the top flight! It's a sensational finish, driving a left-footed shot across goal from just outside the area that nestles into the bottom corner.
84'
ABSOLUTELY INEXCUSABLE! West Ham win a free kick and play it short. It's given away and Newcastle break with three players clean through against Adrian. There's absolutely no excuse not to score there as Anita's weak pass across goal is broken up by the keeper who then starts West Ham on the counter. These fans can't believe they aren't celebrating a second goal!
82'
McShane has been recieving treatment for over four minutes at the KC Stadium, so there is likely to be a wealth of stoppage time added on there. Newcastle don't have to worry about that if they hold on, but should they concede, these fans will be anxiously checking the other score long past full-time here at St. James' Park.
80'
M. Amalfitano gets yellow.
JUST WIDE! Pressure is starting to build from West Ham and it results in their first chance of this second half. Nolan meets the ball at the top of the area and he drives a half-volley at goal, but it sails just wide of the near post! Could you imagine the scenes here had he scored?
78'
West Ham make their final change and it is a positive one as striker Elliott Lee comes on to replace Kouyate. Allardyce is going for it, and Newcastle have to be extra vigilant now as Manchester United are down to 10-men at the KC Stadium!
Minute
Description
77'
E. Lee enters the game and replaces C. Kouyaté.
76'
Anita tries to chip a ball through from 30-yards out and it takes a deflection off Song, rolling behind for a corner as Adrian is unable to keep it in play. The crowd erupts as the ball goes behind and you get the sense that they are starting to see the finish line here.
74'
John Carver talked about how his side need to create their own luck and they are doing so here. Some fortunate bounces have awarded them possession and prevented them from having to defend set pieces, where West Ham always pose a threat, but they have to keep this work ethic going through the final 15 minutes.
72'
The pace has picked up again as we enter the final 20 minutes. Back and forth they go at St. James' Park, but the Hammers are still struggling to carve out a chance. Jenkinson makes a good run into space along the right, but gets an unfortunate bounce as the ball goes behind off him for a goal kick.
70'
STAT ATTACK: West Ham are unbeaten this season against the bottom four teams entering the weekend in the Premier League (W5, D2), outscoring their opponents 12-2 over that span.
69'
J. Tomkins enters the game and replaces R. Burke.
68'
West Ham make their second change and James Tomkins is the one to come on at the expense of teenager Reece Burke, who put in a sound shift at the back. Tomkins has won the highest percentage of aerial duels this season in the Premier League, so he will offer a legitimate threat from set pieces.
66'
Riviere does well to press high up the pitch, winning back possession and charging into the area in search of his first St. James' Park goal. His shot is blocked well by Reid, then a heavy touch from Sissoko allows West Ham to clear their lines. A second goal for Newcastle would lead to absolute chaos inside the stadium.
64'
Newcastle are sitting deep, with everyone behind the ball. It's an audacious approach from the hosts as they begin to invite West Ham pressure. This ground is in for a nervy final 25 minutes if the Magpies do indeed sit back and defend.
63'
M. Amalfitano enters the game and replaces E. Valencia.
62'
The pace has drastically fizzled out of the match since the Sissoko goal. Newcastle know all they need to do now is not concede, but that's a dangerous game to play. Meanwhile, West Ham make their first change of the match as Morgan Amalfitano comes on to replace Enner Valencia.
60'
STAT ATTACK: Newcastle have gone 10 Premier League matches without recording a victory (D1, L9). It is their worst run since May 2009, the last time they were relegated from the top flight.
58'
The other game at the KC Stadium remains scoreless, so it would take a two goal swing (from Hull and West Ham) to relegate Newcastle as things stand. This ground is still celebrating that goal, but they are far from in the clear just yet! They have to compose themselves and play out this final half-hour responsibly.
56'
The sheer relief of that goal will do Newcastle wonders. The pressure is off them momentarily and it has completely changed the atmosphere inside the stadium. John Carver is estatic on the touchline as Newcastle only need to keep the clean sheet now and they will be playing Premier League football next season!
54'
M. Sissoko has scored a goal for Newcastle United! Assist by J. Gutiérrez.
M. Sissoko gets yellow.
SISSOKO HAS DONE IT! NEWCASTLE HAVE NEW LIFE! It's a goal of epic proportions for the Magpies and it could be what keeps them in the Premier League! Tremendous delivery into the area from Gutierrez and Sissoko runs onto the end of it, rising above Reid and Cresswell to head past Adrian! And just look at what it means to him!
52'
WAS THAT THE CHANCE?! Janmaat takes a pass from Anita and does brilliantly to escape a challenge on the right and break into the area. He finds himself in acres of space and plays a terrific ball into the feet of Riviere in the centre, but somehow the forward fails to get a touch on the ball as Carver burries his face in his hands!
50'
Every mistake Newcastle make is jeered and berated by these fans, which is the last thing the hosts need going forward in this second half. There is already a lack of conviction about their play as nerves settle in, so they can ill-afford to have these supporters turn on them.
48'
Positive start for Newcastle and Cisse finally gets himself involved as he wins Newcastle their first corner of the match. Colback's delivery is good, but West Ham defend it even better as the threat is averted.
46'
Martin Atkinson waits for the word from the KC Stadium and this second half is now underway with Newcastle's Premier League status hanging in the balance.
45' +1
JUST WIDE! Well it's Janmaat again and he's without a doubt been their best player in this first half, again sprinting down the right, cutting into the centre and rolling a shot just wide of the near post with his weaker foot as the first half comes to an end.
44'
There isn't likely to be much time added on here as these players seem eager to get to the break scoreless. Newcastle have managed a better spell on the ball, but they are doing little to penetrate the West Ham back line.
42'
West Ham have kept just over 60 per cent possession and they are pressing again with half time approaching. Reece Burke charges forward from the back to collect a loose ball, but a deflection takes the pace out of his shot as it never threatens Krul.
40'
OVER THE BAR! That's a real decent cross in from the left by Colback, but it's hardly the man you want on the end of it and Janmaat sprints into the area to get his head to it, lifting his effort well over the bar. The defender looks more likely to score than Cisse if this first half is any indication.
38'
STAT ATTACK: The last two meetings between these teams at St. James’ Park have seen just one goal, scored by West Ham’s Kevin Nolan against his former club. The previous four games before that on Tyneside had produced a staggering 17 goals.
36'
Absolutely abysmal! The crowd buzzes with anticipation as Colback stands over a free kick with plenty of bodies waiting in the centre. The midfielder's delivery barely even reaches the penalty area, however, as the pressure maybe got to him a bit there. It's a tremendous letdown for Newcastle as they fail to carve out a real scoring opportunity.
34'
Jenkinson makes a teasing run down the left into space and lays the ball off for Downing. The midfielder delivers an inviting ball in for Cole, who battles away with Coloccini, but just can't make clean contact with his header. Valencia runs in to keep the pressure on, but the flag goes up for offside.
32'
Lovely build-up play from Newcastle and again they build down the right, with Janmaat making himself a nuisance on the overlap. The Dutchman takes a pass after some nice work from Riviere atop the area, but his cross back to the Frenchman is knocked harmlessly back towards goal.
30'
The pressure on Newcastle doesn't seem to be helping whatsoever. They know the magnitude of what is at stake and it's just making them over-think a few things as they get forward. Their boots are strapped on a bit tighter and they are holding their breath with every ball played towards the danger area and this crowd has become incredibly anxious.
28'
It's the Hammers who are controlling possession and dictating the tempo now. They are the ones asking the more potent questions at the moment and Newcastle can't escape their own end. These fans are growing restless as they look up and see Hull City and Manchester United also remain scoreless approaching the half-hour mark.
26'
CRUCIAL SAVE! Song lifts a tremendous ball out wide for Cresswell, who plays Downing through beyond a static Newcastle back line. The ex-Liverpool man takes a good first touch, but Krul closes down the angle brilliantly to make the save!
24'
OFFSIDE! That will do nothing to settle the nerves of these pensive fans. Downing latches onto a ball in attack and rolls a clever pass through for Nolan, but the flag goes up for offside and it was a close decision indeed, but appears to be the right one.
22'
STAT ATTACK: West Ham are winless in their last 11 away matches in the Premier League, since a 2-1 victory at the Hawthorns on December 2 (D5, L6). They have been held scoreless in seven of those matches, scoring just five times.
20'
There is a delay here as the medical staff comes out to attend to Enner Valencia after a painful coming together with Sissoko. The West Ham striker took a blow to the chin and he will need a few moments to shake that off. Meanwhile in the crowd, the stoppage seems to have tugged on the nerves of these fans as the atmosphere subdues and supporters look on with blank stares.
18'
Another half-chance for Newcastle! Janmaat has been one of their most consistent attacking players to start this match. He sprints forward and works a one-two with Riviere before sending a deliciously inviting ball into the danger area, but it somehow runs through everyone. Jonas keeps the pressure on and his shot is blocked, but Janmaat latches onto the follow-up and sends it just wide of the far post!
16'
Well this crowd is certainly up for the occasion today! The always faithful Magpies supporters are in full voice, growing with every pass and every move forward. They are waiting for something to celebrate - they need a reason to celebrate.
14'
Great defending! Aaron Cresswell is left on an island on the left to deal with Sissoko, and West Ham's player of the year is up to the task, standing his ground to win back possession and then forcing the Newcastle midfielder into committing a foul.
12'
Daryl Janmaat gets forward to try and contribute in attack, and it will require all hands on deck for Newcastle to ensure their safety today. The Dutchman lines up a shot, but the pesky Nolan gets in the way and his deflection takes the sting out of it as it makes for an easy task for Adrian.
10'
STAT ATTACK: The last time Newcastle were relegated from the Premier League, Hull City faced Manchester United and Sunderland played Chelsea on the final matchday of the season. The last round of games were also played on May 24, exactly six years ago. Eerie.
8'
There is a jump in the step of these Newcastle players, who seem up for the occasion early on. A goal would go a long way to ease the nerves on Tyneside, but they haven't made life easy over the past two months so perhaps the same should be expected here today. Meanwhile, there is still no score over at the KC Stadium between Hull and Manchester United.
6'
Martin Atkinson has his hands full today. West Ham need to keep a relatively clean discipline record to qualify for the Europa League, while Newcastle manager John Carver has had no qualms about voicing his displeasure with the refereeing his side have got in recent weeks. Every decision will be scrutinized more than ever on this final day of the season.
4'
West Ham issue a warning sign of their own, making it clear to Newcastle they won't sit back and make it easy on them. A dangerous cross is played into the area but play is brought to a halt as Kevin Nolan fouls Tim Krul.
2'
INCHES WIDE! A towering run down the right flank by Papiss Cisse gets the ball into the centre and it's not dealt with, falling kindly for Emmanuel Riviere who lashes a shot across the face of goal but just wide of the far post! St. James' Park was ready to erupt!
1'
We are underway at St. James' Park!
Hello Premier League fans around the world, and welcome to Tyneside on this Sunday afternoon where the final piece of the relegation puzzle falls into place! Tensions are rising high at St. James’ Park today where these loyal fans will watch on anxiously as Newcastle try and avoid relegation against a West Ham team who could well be bidding farewell to manager Sam Allardyce. I am Alex Moretto and I will be your in-game host, guiding you through the match LIVE as it happens.
A win guarantees safety for Newcastle, but anything less and they will have to rely on Manchester United to get a result at the KC Stadium against Hull City. Another defeat would make for some incredibly uneasy moments at St. James’ Park as the fans stay glued to results elsewhere. Scoreboard watching will undoubtedly commence from opening kick-off, and Newcastle fans will be desperately hoping for a favour from Manchester United, because based on recent results, the Magpies hardly deserve to stay afloat.
Of course the storylines that would arise should West Ham end Newcastle’s life in the Premier League are endless. Wouldn’t it be something if Kevin Nolan’s 100th Premier League goal relegates the team he used to captain? Is there a better way for Sam Allardyce to extract revenge from the club that fired him in 2008? It’s probably best for Newcastle that Andy Carroll is injured, because that story would pretty much write itself.
In the other dugout, today marks the bitter end to a disappointing second half of the season for West Ham, although the club would have jumped at an 11th place finish at the start of the season. The East London club had such a positive start to their Premier League campaign, occupying fourth place at Christmas, leaving them to wonder what could have been. Their 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Boxing Day kick-started a descent down the table for Sam Allardyce’s club. Though their dreams of a top five finish died well over a month ago, the Hammers can still take up a place in the qualifying phase of next season’s Europa League via the Fair Play League, provided Liverpool fend off Tottenham today for fifth place – yet another couple of matches we’ll have to keep an eye on.
CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS:
WEST HAM (4-2-3-1): Adrian; Jenkinson, Burke, Reid, Cresswell; Song, Kouyate; Valencia, Nolan, Downing; Cole.
NEWCASTLE SUBS: Woodman, R. Taylor, Gouffran, Ameobi, Cabella, De Jong, Perez.
WEST HAM SUBS: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien, Tomkins, Amalfitano, Jarvis, Lee, Nene.
The surprising team news from Tyneside is the inclusion of Papiss Cisse in the starting lineup, when it appeared as though he was unfit to play a full 90 minutes. More good news for Newcastle as Mike Williamson is available after serving his two-match ban. Vurnon Anita is also reinstated in the first team, and the trio replace Ryan Taylor, Remy Cabella and Ayoze Perez in the starting XI in the biggest game of the season for the Magpies.
Just two changes for Sam Allardyce as he opts to field a full-strength team today against Newcastle. James Collins is out after suffering a calf strain last week, replaced in the starting lineup by teenager Reece Burke. James Tomkins has recovered from an injury of his own, but starts on the bench, while Kevin Nolan returns following family bereavement at the expense of Mark Noble.
HALF TIME: NEWCASTLE 0-0 WEST HAM. Still nothing to separate these sides at the break as the anxiety grows in the Magpies camp with each passing minute. As things stand, Newcastle are safe, but one goal could change all that as we continue to keep an eye on the game at the KC Stadium as well.
Newcastle can't rely on Manchester United. One goal from Hull City can send them down, so they absolutely must go for it themselves. They desperately need their playmakers up top - Sissoko, Riviere and Cisse - to start to create. Janmaat has been their biggest attacking threat and that just doesn't cut it.
FULL TIME: NEWCASTLE 2-0 WEST HAM. There's no spoiling the party tonight on Tyneside as the Magpies leave it late, but finally secure their first win since the last day of February and it's the biggest of the season for them. Goals from Moussa Sissoko and Jonas Gutierrez save Newcastle's blushes as they secure their place in the top flight for next season.
The celebrations at St. James' Park have commenced, and they will likely go deep into the night. I am Alex Moretto and I would like to thank you all for joining me here today. Good bye!
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