Analysis: West Ham away end turns after lack of fight

'Belief' is the word Nuno Espirito Santo repeated before this game, but his players looked drained of it.

Where was the fight from the visitors? It was as if they did not realise the enormity of the dire situation they are in.

As much as St James' Park is historically a difficult place to go, this result was by no means a foregone conclusion.

Newcastle did not have anywhere near as much riding on this game, and Eddie Howe's side have had vulnerabilities of their own this season.

Yet, West Ham found themselves 2-0 down before they finally asked a question of goalkeeper Nick Pope.

No wonder the away end booed their side off at half-time. No wonder a number of supporters walked out after Newcastle went 3-0 up. No wonder those who stayed behind at full-time hissed: 'You're not fit to wear the shirt'.

West Ham are still technically a Premier League side, but a third straight league loss has left Nuno's side staring down the barrel.

Not only will West Ham need both Chelsea and Everton to beat Tottenham in the final week of the season, they will also have to take care of their own business by beating buoyant Leeds United on the final day.

That feels an almighty prospect right now.