---
title: "Sky Sports pundit slams West Ham’s performance against Newcastle as Hammers on the brink"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/05/18/roy-keane-slams-west-ham-performance-in-newcastle-defeat/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ralphael Adelugba"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2026-05-18T11:30:00Z"
modified: "2026-05-18T12:38:27Z"
---

# Sky Sports pundit slams West Ham’s performance against Newcastle as Hammers on the brink

- **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](https://readwestham.com/2026/05/11/sky-sports-roy-keane-reveals-stance-on-west-ham-arsenal/).

[Nuno Espírito Santo’s](https://readwestham.com/2026/05/18/nuno-espirito-santo-apologises-following-west-ham-defeat-at-newcastle/) 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](https://readnewcastle.com/) opened up a two-goal lead in the first half before coasting in the second to cement [West Ham’s perilous position.](https://readwestham.com/2026/05/17/newcastle-united-3-1-west-ham-premier-league/)

The performance against Newcastle will likely prove decisive in the [Hammers’](https://readwestham.com/) dwindling survival hopes. [Tottenham Hotspur](https://readtottenham.com/) travel to [Chelsea](https://readchelsea.com/) 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,](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/36540/13545301/west-ham-roy-keane-hits-out-at-lack-of-intensity-and-desire-in-hammers-performance-during-defeat-at-newcastle) 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](https://readwestham.com/2026/05/17/newcastle-united-vs-west-ham-united-player-ratings/), 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.”*