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      How Liverpool replace Mo Salah – the five best options to succeed the record-breaking Egyptian King at Anfield

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      MO Salah is irreplaceable at Liverpool – but so were Kevin Keegan, Fernando Torres and Roberto Firmino.Salah is going to leave Anfield one day and if that day is soon, the Reds urgently need to find a player or players who can match the Egyptian winger’s incredible attacking contribution.Baring his soul – Mohamed Salah’s complaint about a lack of contract offer has Liverpool fans in a panicCredit: APWhen Keegan moved to Hamburg in 1977, Liverpool signed Kenny Dalglish from Celtic and the super Scot became a club legend as a player and manager.On the same transfer deadline day that Fernando Torres left for Chelsea for £50m, the Reds brought in Luis Suarez for £22.8 from Ajax.But the jury is still out on whether Darwin Nunez, who cost an initial £64m, will spearhead the club to the same level of achievement as previous No 9 Firmino.And finding someone to step into the shoes of Salah, Liverpool’s record Premier League and Champions League goalscorer, is arguably the greatest challenge Kop bosses have ever faced. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSalah’s contract situation puts his current employers in a tough situation.Chief executive of football Michael Edwards and director of football Richard Hughes will be doing their best to find a way to keep their main man at the club beyond next summer, when his existing contract expires.But regardless of the outcome of those negotiations, they will also have been working on a succession plan.Here SunSport looks at five leading pretenders to the throne of the Egyptian King.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMOHAMMED KUDUS – West HamThe Hammers’ left-footed Ghanaian international, 24, is probably the closest thing in the Premier League to a potential like-for-like replacement for Salah. Liverpool were sniffing around in the summer and are known to rate Kudus highly, although his numbers this season suffer badly from a five-game suspension. But reports of a release clause of £85m don’t help his cause when there may be better value elsewhere in the market.JOHAN BAKAYOKO – PSV EindhovenLeft-footed right winger? Check. Well-known to Arne Slot? Absolutely, after playing a big role in PSV dethroning Slot’s Feyenoord as Dutch champions. And an exciting young talent with the potential to become a superstar? At 21 and already a Belgium international, very much so. Bakayoko ticks a lot of boxes, including a contract that runs out in less than two years. PSV’s fee demands would determine how much of a gamble he is.KARIM-DAVID ADEYEMI – Borussia DortmundThe Reds have been keeping an eye on Adeyemi for a long time, since even before he joined Red Bull Salzburg as a 16 year old. After showing only flashes of his potential in his first two seasons at Dortmund, the Germany international, 22, really hit the ground running in this campaign before suffering an injury that has kept him out since October. His stats are miles off Salah’s – but so were Salah’s before he came to Liverpool.BRYAN MBEUMO – BrentfordThe least sexy option but could the versatile Cameroon international, 25, be the best? There are good reasons why Arsenal have also been linked with Mbeumo. He is tucked in just behind Erling Haaland and Salah this season in the race for the Golden Boot with eight goals, already almost matching his best Premier League tally. Would he get even better in a more front-foot team? With his contract up in 2026, it is a tempting punt.OMAR MARMOUSH – Eintracht FrankfurtWho better to replace the Egyptian King than his countryman, especially given the red-hot form he is in so far this season? READ MORE SUN STORIESWith 11 goals and seven assists in 11 Bundesliga matches, Marmoush is one of European football’s ’s hottest properties. Not being an out-and-out winger should not be a deal-breaker for a coach like Slot. But the price might be if competition for the 25 year old’s services proves really fierce. More

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      Arsenal transfer blow as Barcelona make Isak top transfer target with Gyokeres set to snub Nou Camp for Man Utd move

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      BARCELONA have made Alexander Isak their number one summer target, SunSport can reveal.The Spanish giants will make a mega-money offer for the Newcastle striker at the end of the season.Barcelona have identified Alexander Isak as a top transfer targetCredit: GettyViktor Gyokeres has his sights set on a move to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyIt comes days after Eddie Howe said Sweden star Isak could go on to be one of the world’s best forwards.Directors at the Nou Camp have switched their focus to Isak after learning they will struggle to secure the services of his international team-mate Viktor Gyokeres – another player they covet.SunSport understands Sporting Lisbon striker Gyokeres has his heart set on a move to the Premier League and a reunion with ex-boss Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.But Isak is viewed as a plan B by Barcelona who think he can help lead them to success in Spain and in Europe.Read More in FootballArsenal have also been heavily linked with a move for Isak, who is yet to agree terms for a new deal with Newcastle.He is said to be one of Mikel Arteta’s top targets for 2026.Last week, speaking in the build up to their game with West Ham, Newcastle manager Howe said: “He’s building momentum into his season and has scored some big goals of late for us. His general performances I think have continued to improve.“He’s gone away to Sweden and played very well, I’m delighted with how he has looked on international duty as well, to continue that good form.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I think being a striker, having not been one myself, but just from my experience it’s all about confidence and how you feel.“Alex has got undoubted qualities. I would put him right up there in terms of world strikers that are currently playing.”Rúben Amorim talks about the future of Viktor Gyökeres at Sporting Asked if he could be the best in the world, Howe added: “I feel that his potential is great.“I think he can really, if he can continue on the path he has been the last few seasons, continue to go and prove himself as one of the world’s best.”That would be, without putting pressure on him, my target if I was him. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo warned he risks being displaced as ‘biggest name’ in Saudi Pro League

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      MOHAMED SALAH would displace Cristiano Ronaldo as the biggest name in the Saudi Pro League if he makes the move from Liverpool, according to ex-Manchester United star Lee Sharpe.The 32-year-old’s Liverpool future is currently in doubt, with his contract set to expire next June.Mohamed Salah would become the biggest player in the Saudi Pro League if he joins, according to an ex-United starCredit: GettyCristiano Ronaldo is currently the face of the leagueCredit: ReutersOn Sunday he revealed he is yet to receive a new offer from the club.Salah even suggested he is more likely to leave than stay at Anfield come the end of the season.Following Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Southampton at St Mary’s, the winger said: “Well, we are almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club. I’m probably more out than in.”I’m not going to retire soon so I’m just playing, focusing on the season and I’m trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League as well.Read More in Football”I’m disappointed but we will see.”Salah has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia over the 18 months.Al-Ittihad pushed to sign him in a huge £170million transfer last summer, but Liverpool rejected the bid.With the winger potentially in line to leave Merseyside in a free transfer next year, he could be the subject of a huge transfer battle among several Saudi clubs.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEx-United winger Lee Sharpe claims Salah is better than RonaldoCredit: GettyAnd if he were to join the star-studded Pro League, he would become the biggest name.That is according to ex-Man Utd winger Sharpe, who claims he would dominate the division.Cristiano Ronaldo breaks down in tears as 39-year-old becomes first player EVER to score 900 goalsSharpe told Racing Tipster: “I can only imagine Mohamed Salah would go to Saudi Arabia, as I don’t think anyone else will be able to afford him.”There’s also nowhere else he could go in Europe that’s a bigger club, with a bigger fanbase, crowd and atmosphere than he has at Liverpool – he’s not going to go to Manchester United, that’s for sure!”He’ll likely just want to secure his future and have an easier life in Saudi.”If he did go there, he’d be the biggest player in the Saudi Pro League – he’s still young and fit enough to dominate.”We see Cristiano Ronaldo doing well over there, but I think Salah is a better player and a bigger name than him these days.”Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher admitted he was “disappointed” with Salah’s comments during an appearance on Monday Night Football.He said: “Of course, there’s been discussions. Right now, there’s obviously a big difference in valuation, how Salah and his agent value themselves, in terms of length of contract, and how Liverpool do. “So the reason Liverpool wouldn’t have offered a contract yet is because Mo Salah will turn it down.”They’re still in talks, I’m desperate for them to meet in the middle.  But I must say, I am very disappointed with Mo Salah. That interview last night…”Liverpool have Real Madrid in midweek and Manchester City next weekend. That’s the story for Liverpool right now. “And Mo Salah, we’re aware – certainly the local reporters near the club – that in seven years he’s stopped in the mixed zone twice.”That’s absolutely fine. But he stops for the third time away at Southampton on the back of winning Liverpool the game and putting that out.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If he continues to put comments out or his agent continues to put cryptic tweets out, that is selfish.”That’s thinking about themselves and not the football club.” More

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      Forgotten Arsenal star, 27, returns to squad for Sporting clash 477 DAYS after last appearance

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      KIERAN TIERNEY is in line to make his first Arsenal appearance for over 15 MONTHS.The Scotland international has endured a torrid run of injuries during his time at the Gunners that has seen him slip off the radar of boss Mikel Arteta – and linked with a move away in January.Kieran Tierney returned to training last week and could start against SportingCredit: PABut he has been named in the playing squad in Lisbon after returning to training last week having been out for two months with a setback in a reoccurring hamstring injury.Tierney’s last outing for Arsenal was in the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 6, 2023, before heading out on a season-long loan to Real Sociedad.Arteta said: “Everybody in the squad is fully fit and available to start the game.“We have Kieran Tierney after a long injury, it’s great news that he’s back, he’s been training with the team and he’s at the level to participate.”READ MORE ON ARSENALAt LaLiga side Sociedad, Tierney made 26 appearances – 17 as a starter – but his minutes were limited by several hamstring injuries.Should he take to the field for Arsenal in Lisbon, it will be his first European game for the club since November 3, 2022 – starting in a 1-0 win over FC Zurich in the Europa League.Tierney’s inclusion could also mean he features in the Prem once more – the last time he started in the English top flight was May 14, 2023 – a 3-0 loss at home to Brighton.It is understood that while the club are pleased to have Tierney available, he is not in Arteta’s long-term plans as he looks to move the Scot on in the next two transfer windows.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal player ratings vs Nottingham ForestBy Jordan Davies, Senior Sports Journalist and Football ReporterARSENAL romped to a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest – with some standout performers shining.Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates each player…David Raya – 7Very little to do. Collected a few crosses well under pressure and was alert and speedy with his distribution to get Arsenal moving.Jurrien Timber – 7Had the ball in the net and unlucky not to keep it that way as VAR intervened – eventually – to give offside on Mikel Merino in the build-up. A solid display.William Saliba – 8Had a real battle on his hand against another giant of a man in Taiwo Awoniyi, not that it bothered him too much. As always, he was up to the task without ever losing his cool.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7With Forest’s target man focused on Saliba, this was a fairly comfortable afternoon for Gabriel, who didn’t even have any decent set-pieces to attack.Riccardo Calafiori – 7Was a bit vulnerable on the counter in the early stages, perhaps showing his fitness levels are not there just yet after a lengthy spell out with injury.However, he regained his composure and was a rock defending crosses and set-pieces.Jorginho – 6A rare start and did his best to solidify things in midfield, but his needless yellow ultimately saw him subbed at half-time with Arteta not willing to take the risk.Martin Odegaard – 9My word, have Arsenal missed this man. Back in the team and back in the groove, dictating the tempo and providing that creative spark with fluidity and finesse.By the end, Forest’s players looked like they had been beaten to submission.Mikel Merino – 7With Jorginho sitting deeper, the Spaniard had the freedom to play the ‘Rice role’, roaming forward at will, and provided a real attacking intent, driving into the box.Bukayo Saka – 9Showed off his samba hips with some silky dancing between tackles in the box before thumping a stunning effort into the top corner.Forest left-back Alex Moreno had a torrid afternoon, especially after he let Saka cut inside again after the break to tee up Partey’s strike from distance.Gabriel Jesus – 6Still looking for just a third goal this calendar year. Gave his all and had a curling effort go narrowly wide in the first half, but it just isn’t happening for the Brazilian at the moment.A real chance missed to stake a claim in this starting XI.Leandro Trossard – 7Should have put Arsenal ahead inside the first two minutes but scuffed his close-range effort and saw another well saved by Matz Sels before the break.Despite hobbling off for Belgium in mid-week, he looked as sharp as ever.SUBSTHOMAS PARTEY (JORGINHO, 45) – 8Was only on the pitch seven minutes before curling a beauty into the far corner – an inspired substitution.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (CALAFIORI, 67) – 6Did what was needed. Positioned himself for inverted passing lanes to get Arsenal out the back with Forest piling pressure on with time ticking away.ETHAN NWANERI (ODEGAARD, 82) – 8More minutes for this impressive academy talent and already has a trademark finish of curling into the far corner with his left foot. He almost pulled this off less than two minutes into coming on.Then, soon after, he slots in from Sterling’s cut-back for his first Prem goal. Memorable.RAHEEM STERLING (SAKA, 82) – 7Really needed to make a difference off the bench to get his campaign up and running, and he did, providing the assist for Nwaneri’s historic goal.JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 87) – N/ATierney’s return is also timely with Arsenal missing another full-back in Ben White who is expected to be out for months after undergoing knee surgery last week.During this summer’s Euros, Tierney featured for Scotland but was ruled out after a hamstring injury in a group game against Switzerland.Arsenal player ratings: Martin Odegaard a class above as Jorgino hooked at half-time after needless yellow vs Nottingham Forest More

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      Michail Antonio suffers wardrobe malfunction as West Ham star’s request for special kit modification backfires

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      YOU might not think a West Ham player could complain about it being “tough at the top”.But Michail Antonio would disagree – and now has the proof.Michail Antonio pointed out his problem to the West Ham dugoutCredit: GettyAntonio went back on with a new version of his special topCredit: AFPThe striker was involved in an unusual shirt change during the Hammers’ shock 2-0 win at Newcastle.And the reason for his mishap was even more odd.Toon chief Eddie Howe no doubt tore a strip out off his home team as victory would have lifted them from tenth in the Premier League to fifth.But it was Antonio who managed to rip his uncomfortable top.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt all stems from the Jamaica star alerting West Ham back in the summer that his shirt was too tight at the top.And rather than tough it out, it’s understood he asked the club to put a slit in his collar.The Hammers agreed – meaning the 34-year-old has played the campaign in a customised shirt.However, not only did the top tear at the front at St James’ Park, it opened up right down to the chest.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAntonio had to point out the damage to his bench – before being kitted out with another personalised shirt.His old one had come apart much like Newcastle’s defence did at times – as West Ham slightly eased the pressure on boss Julen Lopetegui.Michail Antonio slept during West Ham’s celebrations after European Conference League triumphThe Spaniard insisted he has blocked out all the talk over his future.However, he must have been feeling a little bit hot under the collar.Fortunately for Lopetegui, Tomas Soucek headed a tenth-minute opener and Aaron Wan-Bissaka clinched victory soon after the break.The Hammers remain 14th in the Prem but now have a six-point cushion from the relegation zone.Ex-Manchester United right-back Wan-Bissaka has only ever scored three goals – but two have come at Newcastle.Lopetegui said: “We are happy. I think that we played well.”We played with one identity and we were able to overcome a very good team. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I believe in the future. This team is going to be able to do the things and show the style as a team.”Antonio played the first 75 minutes as the Hammers stunned NewcastleCredit: GettyLewis Hall tries in vain to get shirty with AntonioCredit: AFP More

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      Pep Guardiola drops biggest Kevin de Bruyne exit hint yet as Man City boss says ‘I’m sure he will be honest’

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      PEP GUARDIOLA believes Kevin De Bruyne will choose to leave Manchester City when he is no longer a key player.The Belgian sees his contract up this summer and boss Guardiola said: “I’m pretty sure Kevin will be honest. Kevin De Bruyne will aim to go out at his best, says boss Pep GuardiolaCredit: EPA”He will want to finish here after this season or the next one, at his best.“I don’t think he will be here when he doesn’t feel he can be the Kevin that can produce and help the team like he has done in the last decade.“In these kind of situations — like with David Silva — he will decide the best for him and the team.“It’s maybe not playing every three days for 11 months but I’m pretty sure he has to play as the best Kevin as possible. Unfortunately with injuries he could not deliver that.”READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSDe Bruyne negotiated his last four-year deal — worth £66million — in 2021. With the help of two lawyers, but no agent, he used data analytics to highlight his value to City.He will be 34 in the summer and his last two seasons have been hit by  serious injuries.De Bruyne became City’s talisman and a Prem star over the last decade after making a £54m move from Wolfsburg in 2015. But injuries have restricted him to  just 25 starts since the start of the 2023-24 campaign.He will be targeted by clubs in the MLS and Saudi Arabia if he does decide to bring the curtain down on his Etihad stay.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe revealed he spoke with the club in the summer but then put talks on hold after a fresh groin injury.Asked what the future holds, he said: “Honestly, I don’t know. I unfortunately had that thing against Brentford. So I’ve put basically everything to the side. I was not in the right frame of mind.Pep Guardiola agrees new two-year contract with Man City “I was hoping to be out for a couple of days and it ended up being eight or nine weeks. So for the moment I’d rather get better first and see how I am and the rest will come.“There’s no rush. Talks will come and if they don’t it’s my last year.”If he does stay, KDB now knows he can carry on working with Guardiola who last week signed a new two-year deal at the Etihad.Asked if that would be a factor, he said: “It could help. But maybe he’ll  say ‘Kevin, thank you. Time to leave’.” More

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      Ruben Amorim’s mark out of ten for Man Utd stars at Ipswich revealed with players left in no doubt about tough job ahead

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      RUBEN AMORIM gave Manchester United five out of ten for Sunday’s performance at Ipswich.The coach looked frustrated as the Red Devils struggled in the 1-1 draw — his first game in charge — against the Premier League new boys.Ruben Amorim watched his side draw 1-1 with Ipswich in his opening game in chargeCredit: PAIt was a frustrating afternoon for Garnacho and his fellow Red DevilsCredit: RexAmorim delivered his verdict on the average display in the Portman Road dressing room, where he also revealed he was blown away by the intensity of the top flight.A source said: “Amorim said their performance was a five out of ten.”He was impressed with Ipswich and thought the game was played at an incredible intensity.”But he added that it showed just how much United need to improve.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim, who replaced axed Erik ten Hag as boss this month, is realistic about the major task ahead of him.But he warned his players that they must improve and learn quickly.The Portuguese, 39, acknowledged that if 18th-placed Ipswich are one of the Prem’s lesser teams, then it showed the job he has on his hands to turn Man Utd’s fortunes around.He took his first training session last Monday, with the international break only halfway through.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMarcus Rashford scored the first goal of the Amorim era after just 81 secondsCredit: RexCaptain Bruno Fernandes struggled at Portman Road on Sunday eveningCredit: GettyMan Utd player ratings vs Ipswich The source added: “He was critical of one or two players for losing the ball and not being in the right positions.”But he also said, ‘Some of you I’ve had for two days, some two weeks’, so he was realistic.”He did say they were going to have to learn quickly.”Man Utd ratings vs Ipswich as Onana saves Amorim from embarrassment in first game as bossMANCHESTER UNITED began the Ruben Amorim era with a 1-1 draw away at Ipswich.Marcus Rashford needed just 81 seconds to put the Red Devils in front at Portman Road, tapping home an Amad Diallo cross.But Ipswich hit back when Omari Hutchinson’s strike flew in via a deflection off Noussair Mazraoui.And it was the newly-promoted side who looked likelier to get a winner in the second half.Here is how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett saw the performances of the Man Utd players…ANDRE ONANA – 7/10United’s best player. Two key stops to deny Liam Delap but no chance for the deflected Omari Hutchinson goal.Then delivered an 87th minute save to keep out an effort from Conor Chaplin.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 5Slotted in on the right of the three-man defence but unfortunate with the deflection for the goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5Has been suspect this season and will probably be better suited to a back three although still given a tough time by Delap.JONNY EVANS – 5The 36-year-old was targeted by Ipswich for his lack of pace and no surprise he was replaced.AMAD DIALLO – 6Did incredibly well to bomb past Jens Cajuste and deliver the cross for Rashford’s early goal but offered little else.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 5Some nice touches going forward but too lightweight in this position in front of the back three.CASEMIRO – 4Lucky to start ahead of Manuel Ugarte and was really poor.Struggled throughout before being subbed and could maybe have got a block to the Hutchinson shot.DIOGO DALOT – 5Not suited to left wing-back although stayed there when Luke Shaw arrived because the English international replaced Evans in the back three.BRUNO FERNANDES – 5Some of his link-up play was fine but United need a captain who can inspire this team and Fernandes is not the man.Sent a free-kick flashing past the post with 12 minutes left.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5Twice called over by Ruben Amorim in the first half for instructions.Denied by a decent save from Aro Muric 50 seconds into the second half.MARCUS RASHFORD – 6Criticised for his basketball trip to New York so to score after 80 seconds was two fingers up at his critics – but did not offer much after that.SubsUgarte (for Casemiro 56 mins) – 6Shaw (for Evans 56 mins) – 6Hojlund (for Rashford 67 mins) – 5Zirkzee ( for Eriksen 67 mins) – 5Mount (for Garnacho 87 mins) – 5 More

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      Newcastle 0 West Ham 2: Aaron Wan-Bissaka hits rare Premier League goal as Hammers secure shock win on Tyneside

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      NEWCASTLE’S fine form came to a screeching halt as West Ham pulled one out of the bag to potentially save Julen Lopetegui’s job.Eddie Howe’s side could have climbed into the top six with a win over the struggling Hammers.Tomas Soucek was on target as West Ham beat Newcastle 2-0Credit: GettyAaron Wan-Bissaka also netted to bag the Hammers a much-needed winCredit: AFPBut Tomas Soucek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka came up trumps to stun the Toon and earn a huge win for their under-pressure boss that lifted them to six points from danger.Toon started fast and Alexander Isak had the ball in the net after peeling off the last man and dinking it over Lukasz Fabianski only for an offside flag to ruin the party.But the Hammers knocked the stuffing right out of them in the tenth minute.Soucek was given the freedom of St. James’ as he escaped Lloyd Kelly, in for the suspended Dan Burn, and headed home Emerson Palmieri’s outswinging corner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis was not part of the script, but it was just the start Spaniard Lopetegui had dreamed about.And he was kicking every ball in his technical area throughout an animated first half performance that led to him being booked for dissent by referee Craig Pawson.That was his third caution of the campaign and he’ll now have to serve a touchline ban and miss Arsenal’s visit on Saturday.Not that he cared one jot at the time as he continued to bark orders at his side while Toon could only muster a curling effort from Joe Willock that went wide.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt was all feeling rather flat from those in Black and White and it could have got even worse as the visitors nearly doubled their advantage when Carlos Soler, replacing Guido Rodriguez, shot round the post.Despite needing a new passport following his drama in the international break returning from Ghana, the tireless Michail Antonio was left requiring a shirt here.Meet West Ham wonderkid Kaelan CaseyAfter what seemed like his 100th tussle with the defence, he emerged with a huge rip right down the middle of his jersey, and he revelled in the minute or so it took for him to change it while the game was stopped.Longstaff headed straight at Fabianski while Lewis Hall’s drive and shot got the locals back off their seats.But both Anthony Gordon and Isak blew chances to go in level at the break.Soucek headed West Ham into the lead against the run of playCredit: AFPThe goal galvanised the visitors as they grew in confidenceCredit: RexThe England winger capitalised on Jean-Clair Todibo’s poor clearance inside the area.However, his strike was saved by the leg of the Hammers goalie before the striker had an effort deflected wide.Harvey Barnes came on for Willock at the break and teed up Gordon to drag an effort off target.Wan-Bissaka’s second-half shot doubled West Ham’s leadCredit: AlamyThe Hammers never looked back after going two goals upCredit: GettyBut any momentum was soon cut short as West Ham doubled their lead eight minutes after the restart.Lucas Paqueta won the ball back and Jarrod Bowen broke and found Wan-Bissaka on the underlap. The ex-Manchester United full-back took a touch before firing across goal and into the far corner.Pope then saved from Bowen as things threatened to get worse before Sandro Tonali and Jacob Murphy came on along with Callum Wilson, making his first appearance of the season after injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut even that trio could not conjure up some magic for the Magpies, despite the returning forward being convinced he should have had a penalty when bundled over by Konstantinos Mavropanos.That leaves them sat in tenth, while Lopetegui lives to fight another day at West Ham.Julen Lopetegui will have been a relieved man after West Ham’s solid performanceCredit: RexEddie Howe was disappointed to see Toon’s winning run come to an endCredit: Getty More