Starting XI
Manuel Pellegrini decided to rest most of his key players, making 10 changes to the starting line-up, with Issa Diop being the only player to keep their place after the Watford game.
The side he fielded was still definitely strong enough to get the job done, with the likes of Jack Wilshere and Michail Antonio starting, and striker Albian Ajeti making his first start for the club.
First-half
The first 45 minutes started badly, with Antonio having to be replaced after picking up an injury, Felipe Anderson taking his place. Not the start Manuel Pellegrini would have wanted at all.
West Ham started well, settling into a passing rhythm, but on 24 minutes, Newport had a glorious chance to take the lead, with a shot from 12 yards aiming straight at the Hammers ‘keeper Roberto.
West Ham responded, however, settling back down and getting on the front foot. The persistence payed off when, just before the break, Jack Wilshere netted his first goal in claret and blue, calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.
Second-half
The Hammers got off to a far better start to the second-half than the first, calming the atmosphere down with some controlled possession, slowly building up the attack.
On 65 minutes things livened up a bit when Pablo Fornals doubled West Ham’s advantage, after intricate build-up play led to the Spaniard getting his first goal for the club – slotting home from 8 yards.
But the Hammers didn’t stop there, creating more chances and controlling possession, winding down the clock and getting the job done with a comfortable 2-0 victory.
Conclusion
Pellegrini certainly changed up the side – and it worked! After a comfortable win he will be content with his side, perhaps wanting a more convincing scoreline but overall his team produced a good result against a side that have a history of causing cup upsets.
Both Wilshire and Fornals grabbed their first goals for West Ham, with the former recieving Man-of-the-Match after a well-deserved, strong performance.
Pellegrini will be hoping his side can build on this result and take their confidence going into their next game against Norwich City at the London Stadium.
