---
title: "West Ham vs Newcastle: Combined XI"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2015/09/10/west-ham-vs-newcastle-combined-xi/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Thomas Bore"
section: "Matchday"
published: "2015-09-10T12:24:41Z"
modified: "2015-09-12T10:55:46Z"
---

# West Ham vs Newcastle: Combined XI

Cast your mind back to May, as Newcastle were staring down the barrel at relegation after a dismal few months under the management of John Carver. The Magpies had lacked fight and passion all season but were in desperate need for change or a drop to the Championship was inevitable.

Up next, West Ham United, who were managed by former Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce – a man who always seemed a little bitter when it came to anything Newcastle related. It was a must win game – anything other than three points opened the door for Hull City to climb out of the relegation zone.

In their hour of need, a hero stepped up – a man that knew the true meaning of survival – Jonas Gutierrez. Just months after successfully beating testicular cancer, Jonas returned to St James’ Park and produced a top-drawer performance – assisting Moussa Sissoko’s opener and scoring a winner late on to secure Newcastle’s fate.

A few months on and it has all changed. Jonas and Carver have gone, with former England manager Steve McClaren replacing the latter. There was significant investment into the first-team squad over the summer, which saw five fresh faces arrived at the club’s Benton base – and so did West Ham.

The Hammers made 12 new, rather astute, signings – including Cameroonian midfielder Alex Song from Barcelona and French playmaker Dimitri Payet from Marseille.