Newcastle’s impressive early-season away form continued at Upton Park on Saturday as they came from behind to beat West Ham and move into the top half of the table. Goals from Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll sealed a 2-1 win to leave West Ham rooted to the bottom of the league and draw praise from boss Chris Hughton.
“What we do have in this camp is a lot of character, a lot of spirit,” he said. “The more we seem to be tested, the more we seem to come up trumps. It’s been a tough week and it’s a tough place to come, but we thoroughly deserved the win.”
Newcastle have now collected as many points on their travels this season as Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham. However, despite Hughton’s delight at his side’s form on the road, he has called for an immediate improvement in results at St James’ Park where The Magpie’s have taken just four points from a possible 12.
“What I certainly don’t want to do is put any pressure on our home performances. but what we have found is that teams have come and set their stall out to make it difficult to play the way we would like at home,” said Hughton.
“It is something we have to address, and I am aware that it can be the slightest thing that changes things. If the next home performance is very good then the thought process on the way we go about our business at home changes. But certainly, what I wouldn’t want to see is a team that is more comfortable playing away from home than it is at home.”
Newcastle have the chance to answer Hughton’s demands when they host bitter rivals Sunderland in the eagerly anticipated Tyne-Wear derby this Sunday.
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