- West Ham United were defeated 3-1 by Newcastle on Sunday
- Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are two points from safety with one match remaining
- Roy Keane claims West Ham’s performance was ‘schoolboy stuff’
West Ham United showcased all the hallmarks of an already relegated team during their 3-1 defeat at St James’ Park, according to Roy Keane.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s side were second-best from the first whistle, handing all the initiative to Newcastle United in their final home game of the season, which Eddie Howe’s men would emphatically take. The Magpies opened up a two-goal lead in the first half before coasting in the second to cement West Ham’s perilous position.
The performance against Newcastle will likely prove decisive in the Hammers’ dwindling survival hopes. Tottenham Hotspur travel to Chelsea on Tuesday night, knowing anything but a loss would practically relegate their London rivals before this weekend’s final matchweek.
Roy Keane claims West Ham’s performance was ‘schoolboy stuff’
Speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage of the Sunday game, Keane said: “I bet Newcastle couldn’t believe their luck.” The pundit added: “This is a Newcastle team who haven’t been brilliant recently and you’re gifting them the game.
“They had a go in the end – but it’s very easy to have a go when you’re 3-0 down. The game is done.
“It’s about the way they started the game. That wasn’t a team fighting for their lives.
“Obviously they’re lacking confidence. It’s as if they’ve not recovered from last weekend [against Arsenal]. The decision went against them last week, almost feeling sorry for themselves.
“Be compact, be hard to beat, stay in the game. They’ve done the opposite of that. They’ve gifted goals and the table doesn’t lie. Not good enough. The decision-making – that is schoolboy stuff.”
Keane, who won seven Premier League titles with Manchester United, highlighted the listless way in which West Ham handed the hosts the lead following goalkeeper Mads Hermansen’s misplaced pass, which gave the ball to Newcastle to attack and score.
“I can’t believe it,” said Keane on the opener. “Players make mistakes. It’s what you do after that. You try to cover for your teammates.
“No intensity, no desire. Fighting for their lives? They didn’t show that.
“To start the game like that, it’s a long way back.”
