The Hammers have taken the lead at home against Newcastle through Carlton Cole in the 12th minute. Avram Grant's attacking 4-3-3 has paid off for West Ham who've enjoyed some good chances early on in an exciting encounter.
West Ham 1-0 Newcastle: Cracking Start To Match Witnesses Carlton Cole Opener
Cole scored what was essentially a tap in when a Mark Noble long ball to Frederic Piquionne was centered to Cole who took the early chance to score his first of the season.
While the match remains in its infancy, Newcastle’s Jonas Gutierrez has been active in midfield, strong and quick on the ball, while the Toon’s forward two, Andy Carroll and Shola Ameobi, have struggled due to a lack of decent service.
In the 18th, Carroll and Newcastle had a minor shout for a penalty while the referee refused to give notice. Carroll’s inclusion to the starting XI comes as a surprise considering his off the field issues this past week - one in which an assault charge was filed against him and another incident involving the torching of his recently purchased Range Rover.
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