The international break had perhaps come at a bad time for Newcastle.
Just before it they beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 to follow up impressive wins against Arsenal in the Premier League and Chelsea in the League Cup.
Their start to this game suggested they would make it four wins from four but when Tomas Soucek struck in the 10th minute, Newcastle were unsettled.
They had chances to equalise but often made the wrong decision with their finishing and by the end of the match they were well beaten.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will hope the result will serve as a wake-up call as, given West Ham’s struggles in the Premier League this season prior to the game, the players may have underestimated their opponents.
Up next is a game against Crystal Palace, who are in the relegation zone, and that is a fixture they will target as one for getting them quickly back on track.
