Newcastle vs West Ham LIVE: Fernandes admits Hammers lacked fight after being left on the brink of relegation

Will Osula scored twice as Newcastle edged West Ham to the brink of relegation from the Premier League.

The Danish striker struck either side of half-time after record signing Nick Woltemade had given the Magpies an early lead with his first league goal since December to ease his side to a 3-1 victory on a day when the Toon Army paid tribute to Kieran Trippier on his final appearance at St James’ Park.

Substitute Taty Castellanos reduced the deficit with an eye-catching finish to spark a late rally during which he hit the crossbar, but ultimately it counted for little.

“This is football. We need to be positive because we have one more game,” Fernandes says to Sky. “One game that can change everything. We could have put pressure on Tottenham, but now it is difficult.

“Of course [I understand fan frustration at full-time]. We didn’t play with full fight and spirit like against Arsenal. We missed everything – fight, energy, second balls we were every time late.

“It is very hard to think about the future. One game to try to win. It is difficult. Everything can happen. Hopefully they [Spurs] lose against Chelsea and in the last match we go with everything. We have to believe.”

“The game was not lost,” the West Ham manager says when asked if the game was gone in the first 20 minuets. “We had a big disadvantage, we conceded two goals, but it was not lost. We tried to react, but the way we conceded was poor, and even though we tried to react, it was not enough.

“I saw mistakes, that happens, I saw disorganisation, we were too open and allowed Newcastle to play. It was a very difficult match for us. Maybe we could have prepared better.

“We started the game poorly. Then everything is much harder. Let’s try to finish the season with dignity and respect for the club. It is going to be a hard week for us but we owe it to the club to try to the end.

“I understand the fans are frustrated and disappointed, with reason. We understand that.”

Here are the full relegation permutations – West Ham, it’s looking bleak.

For Newcastle, meanwhile, there is still a slim chance of European football next year – a Conference League place remains mathematically within reach. They were deserving winners today.

Dejected faces in claret and blue wherever you look. A hint of resignation to their fate, too? Today felt like the day that a win needed to come. Tottenham will be safe if they take one more point from their final two games – barring an almighty goal difference swing.

Newcastle break at pace and have five in the box as Jacob Murphy looks up. He crosses for someone who isn’t Anthony Elanga, but Elanga swings wildly regardless and spoons up into Row W.

Still, West Ham aren’t getting two back now.

A flick of the parapet and looping into Nick Pope’s arms

Right, this is a chance. Crysencio Summerville is hacked at by Bruno Guimaraes as the Newcastle captain continues to lose his head.

25 yards out, left of centre. Perfect for a right-footer. Taty Castellanos has already scored one beauty….