Pablo Fornals has insisted West Ham United are better than the league table suggests ahead of their trip to St James’ Park.
The Hammers are the only side Newcastle United are yet to face in the Premier League this season. September’s reverse fixture at the London Stadium was postponed due to Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
A rocky season for West Ham leaves them just one point above the relegation zone. David Moyes guided them to top-seven finishes in consecutive seasons and a Europa League semi-final but a poor run has led some to question his position.
Big-money signings like Lucas Paqueta, formerly linked to Newcastle, have struggled to adjust to the rigours of English football. However, back-to-back wins over Everton and Derby County has subdued the discontent - for now.
Speaking to the club website, Fornals urged his teammates to play how everyone knows they are capable of. He said after the Derby win: “It wasn’t the best game but a win is obviously a win. We scored twice, and got a clean sheet – it is just about growing from this now.”
“Man for man, I think this season we are far better than we were last season. We have to keep believing in that. We need to try to play as everyone knows, try to keep the ball and hopefully (keep going now) after these two wins.
“At the beginning of the season, we weren’t taking all these chances, but I think the most important thing is getting clean sheets and getting stronger at the back too. All the people with the West Ham badge want the same, the most important thing is to try and keep everyone together.”
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