And now West Ham captain Mark Noble is the first player in the book, for a tackle on Miguel Almiron.

This is sloowwwwwwww now.

That early goal from Declan Rice seems to have made West Ham feel comfortable. And Newcastle don't look like scoring.

But hang on, Mark Noble breaks out the showboating! He turns two opposition players before being pulled up by the ref.

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle midfielder Matt Ritchie loops a high ball into the box. Safe hands Fabianski is all over it.

The tempo's died a bit at London Stadium.

West Ham try and build-up play from midfield but as soon as they gain territory, Robert Snodgrass is dispossessed.

Image source, Reuters

David Pleat
Former Tottenham manager on BBC Radio 5 live

There have been few more consistent goalkeepers this season than Lukasz Fabianski. He was a great signing for West Ham.

A lovely lofted ball into the box from Perez doesn't quite reach the head of Magpies striker Salomon Rondon, who's loitering with intent.

Newcastle earn a free-kick on the left but it's totally wasted.

David: It's no use Schar playing well when he goes forward if he blows it by being unable to defend. He made it far too easy for Rice.

Play is still held up. Manquillo is needing a fair bit of medical attention.

Looks like he's going to be given the Terry Butcher look for the rest of the match.

Aaron Cresswell doesn't need the attractive bandage on his head...something which he laughs about with Manquillo as they prepare to get restarted.

Postpublished at 17:42 Greenwich Mean Time 2 March 2019

17:42 GMT 2 March 2019

West Ham 1-0 Newcastle

Oh my - it's a blood bath!

Aaron Cresswell and Javier Manquillo clash heads and both have claret pouring out of their foreheads.

They look like they've gone a few rounds with Tyson Fury.

There's a bundle in the box as Newcastle make a rare attack.

No-one in the pile of black and white shirts can do anything.

Eventually, Manquillo has a punt from distance. It's looping, but is saved with ease by Fabianski.

David Pleat
Former Tottenham manager on BBC Radio 5 live

Very clean, precise header, good movement from the West Ham players in the box, but Dubravka might have done better.

West Ham earn the game's first corner.

Robert Snodgrass lines it up. It needs to be better than his free-kick a moment ago.

David Pleat
Former Tottenham manager on BBC Radio 5 live

Sean Longstaff is just emerging for Newcastle and it will be fascinating to see how he compares with Declan Rice who has really been the jewel in the West Ham crown this season.

A bright start for the hosts.

Mark Noble feeds to Ryan Fredericks in the box, before keeper Martin Dubravka averts the danger.

At the other end, Salomon Rondon tries to get a shot away but he's denied by Angelo Ogbonna.

Image source, Reuters

The bubbles are still blowing but we have our first set piece.

Jamaal Lascelles gives away a free-kick out on the left, near the box.

Robert Snodgrass is lining up to take it for West Ham...and it's charged down by the Newcastle wall.

*blows whistle*

Image source, Reuters

Here come the teams! Here come the bubbles!

We're almost ready to get this late match under way.

Alistair Mann
MOTD commentator

Things have changed quite significantly for these two clubs in just the last six weeks. On the day West Ham beat Arsenal to move up to a season-equalling high of ninth in the table, Newcastle lost at Chelsea to slip into the bottom three.

Now they meet with the Magpies fresh from a fourth victory in six, with the Hammers having accumulated just five points in that time, a period in which they were also knocked out of the FA Cup by lowly AFC Wimbledon.

The hosts can at least boast an unbeaten start to 2019 at the London Stadium, a potentially decisive factor against opponents who, despite their gathering momentum, are yet to win away in the league this year.