Newcastle looked to have kicked their season into life with three successive wins at St James' Park but slumped to a dismal 3-1 defeat at West Ham on Sunday.

The Hammers hadn't won at home since February prior to Newcastle's visit and the Magpies are now winless on their travels since April.

Jacob Murphy put Newcastle into an early lead at the London Stadium but West Ham deservedly levelled through Lucas Paqueta and then got themselves in front deep in first half stoppage time when Sven Botman turned into his own net.

Howe responded by making three changes at the break - with star forwards Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade both replaced.

And such was the head coach's disappointment at what he'd seen in the opening period, he said those who stayed on the pitch were lucky not to be hooked.

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"That was the frustrating thing about the first half, I almost could have taken anyone off and I think that was a reflection of where we were in that moment in the game," said Howe.

"It's very rare for me to...