Russell Edge

Sat 23 December 2017 18:44, UK

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has paid credit to the character of the Magpies’ squad after they managed to secure a 3-2 win away at West Ham on Saturday.

Rafael Benitez’s men came back from 1-0 down to take a 3-1 lead at the London Stadium, with Henri Saivet, Mohamed Diame and Christian Atsu netting, while Rob Elliot denied Andre Ayew from the penalty spot after a contentious decision from the officials.

However the West Ham winger made up for his miss by lashing home from close range after a corner, leaving it as a nervy end for both sets of fans, but it was the Magpies who held on to secure their first win in 10 games.

After the clash, Shearer, the club’s and Premier League’s record top scorer, took to his personal Twitter account to celebrate victory, raving over the mental strength of the squad which helped them get over the line and pick up three points.

The Magpies had gone nine games without a win prior to victory at the London Stadium, picking up a solitary one point from a possible 27 on their winless streak, which left them languishing in the relegation zone prior to kick off.

However the win means that they now sit 15th, leapfrogging three sides to sit two points off the bottom three.

In other Newcastle United news, fans were overjoyed with the performance of one man in victory over the Hammers.