West Ham's Premier League relegation fears have deepened after a 3-1 loss at Newcastle means Tottenham effectively need just a point from their final two matches to send the Hammers down to the Championship.
West Ham will now be eagerly hoping Chelsea can do them a favour when they welcome Spurs to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, live on Your Site, where a win for the home side would at least take the relegation battle to the final day.
West Ham trail Spurs by two points and, with a 13-goal difference in Spurs' favour, their 14-year stay in the top flight is seriously under threat. If Spurs lose at Chelsea, West Ham will need to beat Leeds at the London Stadium and hope Everton win at Spurs next Sunday.
They had hoped to put the pressure on Spurs with a win at St James' Park but instead two Newcastle goals in four first-half minutes was the stuff of nightmares for West Ham.
The first was of their own doing, with Mads Hermansen's poor pass out allowing Harvey Barnes to cross for an unmarked Nick Woltemade to turn in.
The second was slick from the hosts, with Will Osula finishing off the move from Jacob Ramsey's pass - although, again, the defending from West Ham left plenty to be desired.
Nuno Espirito Santo had to act and he did. The gameplan was out of the window, the back-three set-up ditched and Taty Castellanos was thrown on after just 26 minutes.
The improvement was instant, with the sub forcing Nick Pope into a sharp stop before Callum Wilson was unable to capitalise on a half-chance at the back post against his former side. But it was Newcastle who scored next - and again there was a West Ham error.
From their own throw-in, the visitors managed to lose the ball and then Joe Willock and Osula exchanged passes before the latter tucked in to make it 3-0.
That looked like being that but Castellanos came up with an incredible response when Sven Botman misjudged a long pass forwards from Hermansen, lobbing Pope from 25 yards out.
It was a stunning goal and rejuvenated his team-mates. Captain Jarrod Bowen should have done better with a shot from the edge of the box and then Castellanos pinged the ball against the frame of the goal as hopes of the most incredible salvage job began to grow.
But Newcastle regained their authority and saw through a win which gives them hope of still finishing above Sunderland and leaves West Ham needing a big twist in the final week of the season to stay in the division.
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo speaking to Your Site:
"We concede two goals but it was not lost. The way we conceded was poor and we tried to react but it was not enough.
"The mistakes happen. The organisation of the team, too open. It was a very difficult match."
Did the players let you down?
"No, not about that. Let's take a look at the game. We started poor and were soft.
"Let's try to finish the season with dignity and respect the club. We owe it to the club to try until the end."
Fan frustration at full-time: "I understand, I understand they are disappointed. They saw a team that has been struggling through the season.
"They show their frustrations to me and my decision, we understand them."
Surprised by the performance?
"The start was really bad. We were trying to improve but today was not a step forward.
"We have to realise our situation is very difficult, there is a lot of anxiety and nerves but we have to take responsibility. Let's try to finish the season with dignity.
"Let's wait until Tuesday. Let's see, it is possible but it is difficult."
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe to Your Site:
"It wasn't the perfect game from us but it was very good in phases, especially in the first half.
"I thought we were excellent with the ball, really creative.
"I think we've seen real progression in the last few weeks. A much better performance.
"We're showing signs we're beginning to re-find our form."
