Newcastle United’s performance at the London Stadium was one to forget. Despite arriving full of confidence after three consecutive wins across all competitions, the Magpies once again displayed their Jekyll and Hyde nature away from home, crumbling to a 3-1 defeat against West Ham United. Halloween may have passed, but Eddie Howe’s men produced a performance that was nothing short of frightening.
Before the game, many expected Newcastle to dominate against a West Ham side that had gone 247 days without a home victory.
But as football often reminds us, form counts for little when focus and discipline disappear. Newcastle started well, taking the lead through Jacob Murphy, but things quickly unraveled.
A powerful strike from Lucas Paqueta levelled the match before Sven Botman’s unfortunate own goal gave the Hammers the advantage. That moment of chaos summed up the disjointed defensive display from the visitors.
Eddie Howe’s decision to restore Botman to the starting lineup, replacing Fabian Schär, backfired. Botman looked uncomfortable and lacking sharpness, and his own goal was a costly lapse in concentration. But he wasn’t the only one who had a nightmare afternoon.
Emil Krafth endured a torrid first half, failing to win a single duel or tackle before being substituted at halftime. Howe would have wished he had Kieran Trippier available, as the right flank looked exposed and uncertain all game.
Nick Pope, meanwhile, will want to forget the game in a hurry. Although he has been one of Newcastle’s more reliable performers this season with five Premier League clean sheets, his shaky handling in this match was concerning.
The goalkeeper spilled a routine save late in the game, gifting Tomas Soucek an easy finish to seal West Ham’s win. With Aaron Ramsdale recently keeping a clean sheet against Tottenham, pressure could soon mount on Pope’s starting spot if such errors continue.
However, the most worrying performance came from Dan Burn. Once a dependable figure in the Newcastle backline, the towering defender looked completely out of sorts at left-back. His lack of pace was exposed repeatedly, and his struggles in one-on-one situations left Newcastle vulnerable on the flank.
Burn failed to win a single ground duel or tackle and contributed little going forward, attempting zero dribbles throughout the match. His ineffective display earned him a harsh but fair 3/10 rating from local journalists.
The stats tell a clear story — Burn’s productivity as a left-back has dipped significantly.
| Position | Games Played | Goals + Assists |
|---|---|---|
| Centre-Back (CB) | 82 | 2 + 2 |
| Left-Back (LB) | 78 | 6 + 2 |
Once praised for his adaptability, Burn’s recent performances suggest he’s struggling to cope with the demands of the full-back role in modern football.
The physical and tactical requirements of the position especially in a high-intensity Premier League system have made it difficult for him to keep up with younger, quicker opponents.
At 6-foot-7, his frame gives him an advantage in aerial duels but limits his agility and recovery speed, both crucial for a full-back.
Newcastle supporters have grown increasingly frustrated watching Burn get caught out of position, and many have called for Lewis Hall to be given a proper run in the team.
The talented youngster, who returned to the bench after injury, has the pace, technique, and attacking instinct that could refresh Newcastle’s left flank. With Champions League football returning to St. James’ Park midweek, Howe may have no better time to make that switch.
Hall’s inclusion would not only inject more energy into the defense but also improve Newcastle’s build-up play from the back. Burn’s form has dipped alarmingly, and persisting with him in that role could continue to cost Newcastle points. It’s time for Howe to be bold and reward Hall’s potential over Burn’s experience.
For a team that dreams of competing among Europe’s elite, there’s no room for sentiment. Newcastle’s away struggles stem from inconsistency and tactical rigidity issues that only worsen when players underperform.
If the Magpies are to rediscover their steel and confidence, decisions like dropping Dan Burn must be made swiftly and decisively.
