Graham Potter suffered a painful start to his West Ham reign as Aston Villa’s late surge sealed a 2-1 win in the FA Cup third round on Friday. Potter was hired by the Hammers on Thursday to replace Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked earlier this week after just six months in charge. But the former Chelsea manager was unable to make a winning return to the dug-out as West Ham squandered the first half lead given to them by Lucas Paqueta. On a freezing evening at Villa Park, Unai Emery’s men emphasised the size of the task facing Potter with a second half fightback that exposed West Ham’s defensive flaws.

Amadou Onana equalised before Morgan Rogers bagged the winner to leave Potter holding his head in frustration.

The former Brighton boss is back in management for the first time since being dismissed by Chelsea in April 2023.

Potter lasted less than seven months at Chelsea, losing 11 times in his 31 games in charge and slumping to 11th place in the top-flight despite a £288 million ($351 million) spending spree in his one transfer window.

Potter has tried to learn from the “pain” of that failure, vowing to “come back stronger” after an experience that may have cost him a chance at the England job when Thomas Tuchel was hired last year.

Potter had just one training session with his players before the trip to Villa and was without key forwards Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio.

Under the circumstances, he can be encouraged by West Ham’s attacking play but fixing their issues at the back must be top of his to-do list.

“Overall, disappointed to go out, but lots of positives in the game,” Potter said.

“The start was really good but in the second half Aston Villa stepped-up and pushed us back a bit too much. That’s something we will have to improve.”

Lopetegui was unable to build on the solid foundations left by David Moyes, who won the Europa Conference League in 2023 before stepping down at the end of last season amid fan complaints about his dour style of play.

Potter certainly looks capable of banishing those concerns as West Ham attacked Villa with verve in the first half.

Paqueta was close to giving Potter a dream start when the Brazilian’s strike from the edge of the area flashed just wide.

It was a warning Villa failed to heed as Paqueta opened the scoring in the ninth minute.

Crysencio Summerville teased Villa’s Ian Maatsen with an incisive run into the area before slipping a pass to Paqueta, who planted a clinical finish past Robin Olsen.

Potter celebrated in fist-pumping style but there was a setback for the new manager when Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug limped off soon after the goal.

Paqueta was a constant threat and he forced Olsen to save after another menacing raid.

But Villa’s second half surge was rewarded in the 71st minute.

Tyrone Mings flicked on a corner to Maatsen and Fabianski could only push his shot to Amadou Onana, who reacted quickest to poke home from close-range.

West Ham were furious, claiming the corner should not have been awarded because Boubacar Kamara’s shot was not deflected.

But Villa scented blood and went for the kill in the 76th minute.

Ollie Watkins burst into the West Ham area and pulled his pass back to Rogers for a clinical strike into the bottom corner.

Third tier Wycombe enjoyed a surprise 2-0 win over Championship side Portsmouth in Friday’s other third round tie.

Arsenal blew a chance to make up significant ground on Premier League leaders Liverpool on Saturday with a frustrating draw at Brighton as Manchester City pummelled West Ham 4-1. In-form Newcastle inflicted another painful defeat on Ange Postecoglou’s struggling Tottenham and Chelsea’s recent woes continued with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. Mikel Arteta‘s Arsenal, Premier League runners-up over the past two seasons, travelled to the south coast hunting a fourth straight league win in the evening kick-off. Seventeen-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, in for the injured Bukayo Saka, scored a first-half goal to put them on course for a vital three points.

But after being felled by an accidental headbutt from William Saliba, stand-in Seagulls captain Joao Pedro fired home from the spot in the 61st minute.

The 1-1 draw means the second-placed Gunners are five points behind Liverpool, having played two games more, with Arne Slot’s in-form leaders hosting crisis-hit Manchester United on Sunday.

Arteta said his team had under-performed in the second half, failing to build momentum, adding that the penalty award was “bizarre”.

“We are really disappointed with the decision that leads to the goal because I have never seen something like this in my life,” the Spaniard told the BBC. 

“He (Saliba) touches the ball as well.”

City turned corner?

Manchester City’s win at home against West Ham means they have now won successive matches for the first time since October and Pep Guardiola will hope they are back on track after a horror run of one victory in 13 games in all competitions.

The defending champions took an early lead through a Vladimir Coufal own goal and two goals from Erling Haaland put City in total command.

Phil Foden made it 4-0 before Niclas Fullkrug grabbed a consolation for Julen Lopetegui’s men, who suffered a 5-0 mauling by Liverpool last week.

Despite their shocking run, sixth-placed City are just two points behind Chelsea, in fourth, but Guardiola said his team were still not back in the groove.

“I’m very pleased for the result but you cannot ask me if the old City is back,” he said. “If you saw the game, we are not.

“You saw many times during the years what we have done with the opponents.”

In the early kick-off, Newcastle came from behind to clinch a fifth straight Premier League win and heap more misery on injury-hit Spurs.

The home side went ahead in the fourth minute through Dominic Solanke.

Newcastle levelled two minutes later when Anthony Gordon arrowed an effort into the bottom corner, but Postecoglou stood in disbelief on the touchline looking at referee Andrew Madley after Joelinton intercepted Lucas Bergvall’s pass with his hand in the build-up.

VAR deemed Joelinton’s arm to be in a natural position and the contact to be accidental.

In-form Alexander Isak scored what turned out to be the winner towards the end of the first period.

The 2-1 victory, watched by new England manager Thomas Tuchel, leaves Newcastle in fifth spot, which may yet prove enough to secure a place in the Champions League next season.

But Spurs have slumped to 12th in the table after five defeats in seven matches.

Postecoglou said he was proud of his players but was the “angriest I think I have ever been in my career”.

“I think it’s clear,” said the Australian. “Now whether people agree with me or not whether it wasn’t handball or it was accidental, I’m just not interested in any of that discussion.

“I know what everyone wants me to say, but all I’ll say is that on any other day, on a fair and even playing ground, we would have won that game. Simple as that.”

Enzo Maresca‘s Chelsea were breathing down Liverpool’s necks just two weeks ago but have taken just two points from four games over the festive period.

The prolific Cole Palmer gave the visitors a first-half lead, but they could not capitalise on their possession and Jean-Philippe Mateta levelled in the 82nd minute.

Aston Villa beat relegation-threatened Leicester 2-1 at home, with goals from Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey.

Brentford recorded their first league win on the road this season, smashing hapless Southampton 5-0, and Bournemouth beat Everton 1-0.

Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City pummelled West Ham 4-1 in the Premier League on Saturday while in-form Newcastle inflicted another painful defeat on Ange Postecoglou’s struggling Tottenham. Chelsea’s recent woes continued with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, meaning they have taken just two points from four games over the festive period Defending champions City returned to winning ways at Leicester last week after a long lean spell and picked up three more points against Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham at the Etihad.

Pep Guardiola’s men took the lead in the 10th minute when Vladimir Coufal deflected Savinho’s cross past goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

Savinho also had a hand in the second goal, shortly before half-time, beating his man twice before crossing to Haaland, who lost Max Kilman and headed home.

The same players combined for City’s third in the 55th minute, before Phil Foden joined the party for their fourth. The home side were denied a clean sheet by Niclas Fuellkrug.

West Ham appeared to have turned the corner last month but they have now conceded nine goals in two games following a 5-0 mauling at home by Premier League leaders Liverpool.

‘Angriest in career’

In the early kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Newcastle came from behind to clinch a fifth straight Premier League win and heap more misery on injury-hit Spurs.

The home side went ahead in the fourth minute through Dominic Solanke.

Newcastle levelled two minutes later when Antony Gordon arrowed an effort into the bottom corner but Postecoglou stood in disbelief on the touchline looking at referee Andrew Madley after Joelinton intercepted Lucas Bergvall’s pass with his hand in the build-up.

VAR deemed Joelinton’s arm to be in a natural position and the contact to be accidental, which provoked a furious reaction from Tottenham’s bench and they were up in arms midway through the first half when the already-booked Dan Burn avoided a second yellow card for handball by the centre circle.

In-form Alexander Isak scored what turned out to be the winner towards the end of the first half.

The victory leaves Newcastle in fifth spot, which may yet prove enough to secure a place in the Champions League next season, but Spurs have slumped to 12th in the table after five defeats in seven matches.

Postecoglou said he was proud of his players but was the “angriest I think I have ever been in my career”.

“I think it’s clear,” said the Australian. “Now whether people agree with me or not whether it wasn’t handball or it was accidental, I’m just not interested in any of that discussion.

“I know what everyone wants me to say, but all I’ll say is that on any other day, on a fair and even playing ground, we would have won that game. Simple as that.”

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted the ball hit Joelinton’s arm but said he was not in control of the referee’s decision.

“I believe his arm is down in a natural position and the referee and VAR have followed the rules and protocols that are in place,” he said. “That’s why it is given.”

Enzo Maresca‘s Chelsea were closing in on Liverpool just two weeks ago but are now nine points behind the Reds, having played two games more.

The Italian made six changes for the match at Selhurst Park and his side took the lead when Jadon Sancho drove down the left and found Cole Palmer, who sliced a low shot into the bottom right corner.

The visitors enjoyed the bulk of possession but they could not capitalise and Jean-Philippe Mateta levelled in the 82nd minute.

Aston Villa beat relegation-threatened Leicester 2-1 at home with goals from Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey.

Brentford recorded a rare win on the road, smashing bottom side Southampton 5-0, and Bournemouth beat Everton 1-0.

Second-placed Arsenal are in action at Brighton in the 1730 GMT kick-off while Premier League leaders Liverpool host crisis-hit Manchester United on Sunday.

Bournemouth’s Enes Unal provided a dramatic climax to his side’s 1-1 draw with West Ham on Monday as the Turkey forward’s superb late free-kick cancelled out Lucas Paqueta’s penalty. Paqueta looked to have sealed West Ham’s second successive Premier League victory when he converted from the spot with just three minutes left at the Vitality Stadium. But Unal came to the Cherries’ rescue three minutes later with only his second goal this season. The 27-year-old’s moment of magic extended Bournemouth’s unbeaten run to four games as they climbed to sixth place.

Bournemouth have scored a league-high 10 goals in the final 15 minutes of games this season. 

Two of those goals came in a remarkable 2-1 win at Ipswich in their previous game, with Unal also scoring Bournemouth’s equaliser on that occasion.

“Enes scored an amazing goal. He’s a specialist. But it’s only one point. I’m very disappointed with the penalty,” Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola said of the decision that went against his team for Tyler Adams’ handball.

“It is a play we analysed at a meeting before the season. They (refereeing chiefs) said players don’t need to defend with hands behind their back in an unnatural position.

“It didn’t affect the direction of the cross. I don’t care about the explanation now. It has cost us and I’m very disappointed.”

West Ham have gone two games without defeat to ease a little of the pressure on boss Julen Lopetegui.

They remain in 14th place and sit seven points clear of the relegation zone.

“We suffered a little bit and overcame this to score, but it was an incredible goal from Unal. It’s a pity,” Lopetegui said.

“There are positives. This is the first step to be strong and a better team.”

Sting in the tale

Bournemouth have beaten Tottenham, Manchester City and Arsenal at home this season, so the under-fire Lopetegui might have feared the worst when Iraola’s team made a strong start.

Antoine Semenyo was the catalyst for Bournemouth’s first threat as he won a towering header before sprinting into the area to meet Evanilson’s return pass with a low strike that glanced off the far post. 

West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen scored the late winner when the sides last met in the League Cup in August and he nearly tormented Bournemouth again with a curler from the edge of the area that clanged off the crossbar.

Lopetegui’s men were a threat on the counter and Carlos Soler whipped a shot narrowly wide before Tomas Soucek dragged a close-range effort just past the post.

Bournemouth’s Dango Ouattara looked certain to break the deadlock when the ball fell to him just five yards from goal, but Lukasz Fabianski threw himself across to make a superb save with his legs.

Ouattara almost bent a long-range effort past Fabianski soon after the interval, while Ryan Christie’s drive was tipped over by the Hammers ‘keeper.

After Fabianski denied Philip Billing and pushed away Christie’s follow-up, West Ham took the lead in the 87th minute.

Adams half-blocked Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross with his out-stretched arm and referee Chris Kavanagh gave the penalty after consulting the pitchside monitor.

Paqueta took the spot-kick and calmly sent Kepa Arrizabalaga the wrong way with his stutter-step run-up.

But there was a sting in the tale in the 90th minute as Unal bagged a brilliant equaliser, looping an unstoppable free-kick into the top corner from 25 yards.

Jarrod Bowen eased the pressure on West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui as his superb strike sealed a vital 2-1 win that pushed Wolves manager Gary O’Neil closer to the sack on Monday. In a showdown dubbed “El Sackico” due to the intense scrutiny surrounding the futures of Lopetegui and O’Neil, it was the Hammers chief who earned some much-needed breathing space thanks to Bowen’s moment of magic. Bowen bagged a priceless winner in the second half at the London Stadium, just moments after Wolves defender Matt Doherty had cancelled out Tomas Soucek’s opener.

West Ham’s first win in three games lifted them nine points clear of the relegation zone, while second bottom Wolves remain four points adrift of safety after their 10th defeat in 15 league matches.

In the aftermath of last week’s 3-1 loss at Leicester, Lopetegui was reported to have survived a board meeting about his position.

But the Spaniard, who replaced David Moyes in the close-season, must build on this valuable victory over the team he managed in the 2022-23 season before he can fully relax.

“I don’t talk about noise, I talk about football. If you ask me about football, I will. A win is always good for me,” Lopetegui said.

“The fans have supported us a lot through the bad times. I’m happy for them.”

O’Neil, who played for West Ham from 2011 to 2013, heard Wolves fans call for his dismissal during their 4-0 thrashing at Everton on Wednesday.

Now he will anxiously await the verdict from the Wolves board on his future, which looks bleak after the latest blow to Wolves’ survival hopes.

“An awful lot of decisions went against us in a big game, big moments. You need some of them to go your way but they didn’t,” O’Neil said.

“I’m not concerned. People above me are supportive, but the supporters want to be successful. I understand I have to take responsibility.”

West Ham were rocked at the weekend by the news that their Jamaica striker Michail Antonio had been in a serious car crash that left him needing surgery on a lower limb fracture.

The 34-year-old had to be cut out of his Ferrari following the accident, with Lopetegui admitting it was a “miracle” he survived.

“It wasn’t an easy week. We dedicate the victory to Michail,” Lopetegui said.

Hammers fans held a minute’s applause for Antonio in the ninth minute to match his shirt number.

Composed Bowen

That emotional moment was in stark contrast to the turgid first half fare produced by two teams wracked with nerves and undermined by a chronic lack of quality in possession.

Wolves should have broken the deadlock when Matheus Cunha’s pin-point pass sent Doherty racing away for a teasing cross that Joao Gomes slashed over from close-range.

It was a costly miss as Soucek put West Ham in front from a 54th minute corner, the unmarked Czech midfielder rising to loop his header over Sam Johnstone from six yards.

O’Neil was fuming again after Wolves were controversially denied a penalty for Emerson‘s push on Goncalo Guedes.

Doherty gave O’Neil hope in the 69th minute when the defender met Rayan Ait-Nouri’s cross with a half-volley that flashed past Lukasz Fabianski from 10 yards.

But Bowen restored West Ham’s lead three minutes later as the England forward danced into the Wolves area before guiding a fine finish into the far corner.

On a night when Antonio was never far from West Ham’s thoughts, Bowen celebrated his crucial winner by holding aloft his team-mate’s shirt.

In a dramatic finale, Wolves had another penalty claim rejected when Konstantinos Mavropanos tripped Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, before Fabianski denied Mario Lemina to leave O’Neil facing the axe.

West Ham forward Michail Antonio is in a stable condition in hospital, “conscious and communicating”, following a road traffic accident, the Premier League club said on Saturday. The Hammers said the 34-year-old was under “close supervision at a central London hospital”. The update was issued after unverified images of a heavily damaged Ferrari began to circulate online. A club statement said: “West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area.

“Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.

“At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family.

“The club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course.”

It was West Ham’s second statement on the matter after an earlier one confirming an accident had taken place.

Essex Fire Service also confirmed firefighters had attended the scene and released a man trapped in his car.

A number of Premier League clubs posted their support for Antonio.

“Everyone at Arsenal sends their love, support and well wishes to Michail, his family and West Ham United,” Arsenal said on X, with the same sentiments echoed by Chelsea and Liverpool.

The London-born Jamaica international joined West Ham in 2015 and has scored 83 goals for the club in 323 games.

He has scored once in 15 appearances for the Hammers this season, in a 4-1 victory at home to Ipswich in early October.

The former Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday striker won the Europa Conference League with the club in 2023 under then manager David Moyes.

West Ham, now under the leadership of Julen Lopetegui, host Wolves on Monday.

Ruud van Nistelrooy savoured his first match in charge of Leicester with a 3-1 Premier League win over West Ham, while Crystal Palace edged Ipswich 1-0 on Tuesday. Jamie Vardy, Bilal El Khannouss and Patson Daka got the goals as Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a dream start to his new role shortly after his departure from Manchester United. “On a long-term basis we know the performances need to get better. But the spirit and how we want to do things we saw today because, if not, the Premier League is too brutal,” said Van Nistelrooy.

The Dutchman said he had been “astonished” by the number of offers he received after a four-game spell as interim United boss, which included two wins over Leicester.

A lethal finisher in his playing days, Van Nistelrooy watched on approvingly as Vardy opened the scoring after just 99 seconds at the King Power.

The 37-year-old had initially been flagged offside, but a VAR review showed he was clearly on for his fifth goal of the season.

Defeat ramps up the scrutiny of Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui after a seventh defeat in 14 Premier League games.

The visitors enjoyed the majority of possession and had 31 shots to Leicester’s eight but failed to make it count.

“A frustrating night because we deserved much more today,” said Lopetegui. “Normally we have to win this match but we didn’t because we didn’t score.”

West Ham did have a goal controversially ruled out when Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen punched the ball into his own net and was relieved to be awarded a foul due to minimal contact from Tomas Soucek.

Conor Coady also cleared off the line from Crysencio Summerville in the second half.

But Leicester remained a threat on the counter-attack and doubled their lead when El Khannouss coolly stroked home Kasey McAteer’s pass.

Daka then blasted in to make it 3-0 before Niclas Fuellkrug netted a late consolation with his first West Ham goal.

Victory lifts Leicester up to 15th, four points above the relegation zone, and within two points of 14th-placed West Ham.

Guehi defies FA

Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the only goal at Portman Road as Palace won the battle of two more sides at the bottom end of the table.

The Frenchman produced a classy finish from Eberechi Eze’s pass on the hour mark to secure the Eagles’ first away win of the season.

Palace pull three points clear of the bottom three, while Ipswich remain second from bottom and winless at home on their return to the top flight.

However, Palace captain Marc Guehi is now at risk of a suspension after defying a Football Association warning over displaying religious messages.

As part of the “Rainbow Laces” campaign to show support for the LGBTQ+ community, Premier League captains are wearing rainbow-coloured armbands.

Guehi’s armband bore the message “I love Jesus” during their 1-1 draw against Newcastle, prompting the FA to contact Guehi and Palace and remind them of rules forbidding the display of religious messages.

The England defender doubled down on his message with “Jesus loves you” displayed on his rainbow-coloured armband.

“Everyone now is about integration, no discrimination and Marc as well,” said Palace boss Oliver Glasner.

“He has his opinion and we accept and respect every opinion.”

Ipswich captain Sam Morsy, who also caused controversy by opting not to wear the rainbow armband against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, once again wore a regular armband.

His club issued a statement on Monday saying he chose not to wear the rainbow armband due to his religious beliefs.

West Ham produced a clinical away performance to beat resurgent Newcastle 2-0 on Monday, easing the pressure on beleaguered manager Julen Lopetegui. Tomas Soucek headed the visitors in front against the run of play at St James’ Park and Aaron Wan-Bissaka grabbed a rare goal in the second half to double the Hammers’ lead. Newcastle were unable to capitalise on the chances they created, failing to build on the momentum created by recent wins against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.

The result, only West Ham’s second win on the road this season, lifts them to 15 points, just three behind 10th-placed Newcastle, who missed out on the chance to move into the top six.

Relief

It will be a huge relief for Lopetegui, whose future has been a matter of mounting speculation just months after he replaced David Moyes.

“We are happy, above all because we achieved the three points, which is one important thing, but above all because I think that we played well,” the Spaniard told Sky Sports.

“We are happy, but tomorrow we are working hard, looking forward to the next challenge (against Arsenal). To think about the long future doesn’t help, ever.”

The home side made the early running and in-form forward Alexander Isak had the ball in the net in the fifth minute after a delicate dink over Lukasz Fabianski, only for it to be ruled out for offside.

West Ham, expected to face a tough test on Newcastle’s home turf, showed little adventure in the opening stages.

But their first real foray up the pitch resulted in a corner and the unmarked Soucek powered home a header from Emerson Palmieri’s set-piece in the 10th minute.

Newcastle, on a three-match winning run in all competitions, enjoyed the bulk of the possession as a lively first half unfolded but West Ham were robust in defence and were a constant threat on the counter.

Anthony Gordon had a glorious chance to level after a poor clearance from Jean-Clair Todibo but fired straight at Fabianski.

Minutes later Isak chested down a superb cross from Bruno Guimaraes but steered narrowly wide on the stretch.

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle were again on the front foot at the start of the second half but it was West Ham who doubled their lead through Wan-Bissaka.

The former Manchester United man scored his first goal for West Ham and just his third career goal after picking up Jarrod Bowen’s pass and firing across goalkeeper Nick Pope and into the net in the 53rd minute.

Howe brought on Jacob Murphy and Callum Wilson in a bid to turn the tide but Newcastle failed to build up a head of steam against their determined opponents, who saw out the game with relative ease.

“The first 60 minutes, albeit we’re losing the game 2-0, I think there was a lot of good play from us, we did open them up and had chances to score,” said Howe.

“Unfortunately goals will always change the perception of everybody but up until that point I was pretty pleased. The last half an hour I didn’t like us at all. I thought we lost our way a little bit, became a bit too desperate to score.”

West Ham piled more pressure on beleaguered Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag with a dramatic 2-1 win on Sunday as Cole Palmer inspired Chelsea to a victory by the same scoreline over Newcastle. Tottenham were beaten 1-0 at Crystal Palace, who picked up their first win of the season. Liverpool can go back to the top of the table with victory away at Arsenal in the biggest clash of the Premier League weekend later on Sunday. Ten Hag was left to rue a familiar lack of ruthlessness as United’s fourth league defeat in nine games will spark further speculation on how long he will be given to turn the Red Devils’ fortunes around.

The visitors should have been out of sight by half-time at the London Stadium.

Alejandro Garnacho hit the woodwork inside two minutes and Edson Alvarez also headed off his own crossbar.

But it was Diogo Dalot who missed the biggest chance when the Portuguese international somehow fired over with the goal gaping after rounding Lukasz Fabianski.

Under-fire West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui showed his disgust with the Hammers’ first-half display by making three substitutions at the break.

Crysencio Summerville was one of those introduced and he slid in to open the scoring against the run of play on 74 minutes.

Casemiro brought United level nine minutes from time with a header from point-blank range.

But there was late drama when VAR intervened for a foul on Danny Ings by Matthijs de Ligt.

Jarrod Bowen smashed in the resulting spot-kick to take West Ham above United, who sink to 14th in the table.

Chelsea had been beaten in the Premier League for the first time since Enzo Maresca‘s first match in charge at Liverpool last weekend despite an impressive performance.

The Blues got back to winning ways with Palmer at the heart of their best work.

The England international had a goal marginally ruled out for offside inside the first five minutes.

Palmer was the creator for the opening goal, despite not being credited with the assist, as his sumptuous ball over the top freed Pedro Neto, who picked out Nicolas Jackson to slot in his sixth goal of the season.

Newcastle are now winless in five league games as the pressure mounts on Eddie Howe ahead of a rematch against Chelsea in the League Cup on Wednesday.

The Magpies did get back on level terms before half-time as Alexander Isak tapped in Lewis Hall’s cross at the end of a well-worked move.

Palmer took just two minutes into the second period to make the decisive impact with a driving run forward and powerful finish that beat Nick Pope at his near post.

Newcastle should have left London with a point, though, as Isak botched a huge chance to level 15 minutes from time after rounding Robert Sanchez.

Palace began the day in the relegation zone but were good value for the three points at Selhurst Park as Tottenham’s struggles on the road continue.

Eberechi Eze’s deft flick teed up Jean-Philippe Mateta to fire home the only goal.

Eze had a second ruled out for offside in the second half, but Tottenham, without injured captain Son Heung-min, were toothless in attack.

Spurs have won just once in five away league games this season as they slip to eighth, four points off the top four.

Manchester United eased the pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag as they fought back to beat Brentford 2-1, while Tottenham got back on track with a 4-1 rout of West Ham on Saturday. Ten Hag had defiantly slammed “fairy tales and lies” about his United future on Friday as the Dutchman insisted he was not in danger of the sack. But the 54-year-old is widely believed to be fighting to save his job after presiding over United’s worst start to a top-flight season since 1989-90.

Ten Hag was surely teetering on the brink of being dismissed after Brentford pounced to take the lead in first-half stoppage time when Ethan Pinnock met a corner with a powerful header.

The goal sparked a furious reaction from Ten Hag, who was booked for protesting about Matthijs de Ligt’s enforced absence to have treatment on a bloodied head wound.

But Alejandro Garnacho started United’s revival in the 47th minute as the Argentinian met Marcus Rashford‘s angled pass with a superb volley into the top corner.

Rasmus Hojlund bagged the decisive second goal in the 62nd minute, taking Bruno Fernandes’ clever flick and clipping a composed finish over Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken.

“We don’t score enough, we are not clinical enough, but today we scored two great goals,” Ten Hag said.

“When you score you add some belief. It is only one win, we have to build on this.”

United’s first win in six games in all competitions was only their third victory in eight Premier League matches this term.

They sit 10th in the table ahead of an intriguing week, featuring a Europa League trip to Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce and a visit to West Ham.

Tottenham scored three goals in eight second-half minutes against West Ham to ease the pain of their recent collapse in a 3-2 loss at Brighton. 

Mohammed Kudus’ opener for West Ham was cancelled out before the break by Dejan Kulusevski.

Tottenham ran riot after the interval thanks to Yves Bissouma’s strike, an own goal from West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and a fourth from Son Heung-min.

It was a third win in four league games for Ange Postecoglou’s men, heaping pressure on new West Ham coach Julen Lopetegui after his side’s spluttering start to the season.

“Second half was outstanding from the lads — good energy, good goals, good football,” Postecoglou said.

Leicester’s great escape

Brighton moved up to fifth place with a 1-0 victory at Newcastle on a day of mixed emotions for Danny Welbeck, who scored the 35th-minute winner but was later stretchered off with a back injury that left him needing an oxygen mask.

Leicester staged a stirring fightback to snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory at winless Southampton.

Cameron Archer struck in the eighth minute before Joe Aribo’s 28th-minute goal increased the lead for the bottom-of-the-table hosts.

But Leicester’s Facundo Buonanotte bundled home in the 64th minute before Ryan Fraser was sent off for conceding a penalty with a foul on Jamie Vardy.

Vardy stroked in the 74th-minute leveller from the spot and Jordan Ayew drilled into the bottom corner in the eighth minute of stoppage-time.

Fourth-placed Aston Villa have made their best start for 26 years after a 3-1 win at Fulham.

Raul Jimenez netted in the fifth minute, but Villa’s Morgan Rogers equalised four minutes later.

Andreas Pereira had a penalty saved by Villa ‘keeper Emiliano Martinez before the interval.

Ollie Watkins’ 59th-minute header completed the comeback and Fulham’s Joachim Andersen was sent off for a professional foul on the Villa striker five minutes later.

Issa Diop’s 69th-minute own-goal sealed the win, although Villa had Jaden Philogene sent off for two yellow cards in three minutes.

Everton clinched their first away win in 16 games in all competitions with a 2-0 victory against Ipswich.

Iliman Ndiaye and Michael Keane scored to leave fourth-bottom Ipswich without a win in eight league games.

Third-placed Arsenal will go top of the table if they win at Bournemouth in Saturday’s final match.

On Sunday, Liverpool, currently in pole position, host sixth-placed Chelsea, while champions Manchester City travel to Wolves.