This is one thing I can’t accept about West Ham 3 Newcastle 1 | OneFootball

A lot of debate about the Newcastle United players following Sunday’s match.

The game ending West Ham 3 Newcastle 1 and understandably, much frustration amongst the NUFC fanbase.

Everybody has their own theories about what went wrong.

Whether it was the Newcastle United players, Eddie Howe, or whatever, that could and should have done something different.

As well as of course at the same time giving some credit to West Ham.

There is though one thing I can’t accept about the Newcastle United players, those fans who claim lack of effort, commitment and similar.

Looking at the stats (all stats via BBC Sport) of distance covered by each team.

In total, the West Ham players covered 114.08km in total, compared to 116.85km by the Newcastle United players.

Eddie Howe’s players putting in more yards than the home side yesterday.

Working backwards, interesting to look at what has been the case in the last five Premier League matches before the West Ham one, when it comes to total distance covered by the players on the pitch.

Newcastle United players 114.50km and Fulham players 110.21km

Newcastle United players 115.16km and Brighton players 113.59km

Newcastle United players 109.45km and Forest players 106.43km

Newcastle United players 112.94km and Arsenal players 115.08km

Newcastle United players 113.23km and Bournemouth players 109.03km

As you can see, in five of the last six Premier League matches, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United players comfortably outrunning the opposition, collectively covering more distance.

The only exception is Arsenal, who covered more distance than the Newcastle United players at St James’ Park. Maybe a strong clue as to why they are top of the table?

Putting the yards in doesn’t guarantee winning games BUT it certainly increases the chances overall. The harder you work the luckier you get.