Now then... West Ham have half a chance. But Martin Dubravka is alive to the danger and races out to cut out a more precise throughball.

Manuel Pellegrini looks stunned as he sits motionless on the bench. The expression of a bloke who's just found out the company he's just invested £100,000 in has gone bust.

Newcastle are well organised at the moment, West Ham tentatively knocking on a double-bolted oak door.

Another hopeful throughball from the Hammers goes out of play behind the goal. Cue more groans.

Declan Rice is trying to direct the home side with the same precision and speed as the conductor of the brass band we saw before kick-off. West Ham's band are not on the same page though.

A forward pass drifts out of play for a Newcastle goal-kick.

Newcastle in complete control. West Ham struggling for ideas.

Three would have been game over, you'd have to feel.

And it could be three! My, oh, my. West Ham cut open easier than the beef at your local Sunday carvery, Allan Saint-Maximin tucking in.

The Frenchman is clean through on the Hammers goal, only to hit Roberto's trailing leg as he tries to slip it past low,

Newcastle have scored as many goals in 22 minutes as they had the previous 590...

Newcastle looking lively on the counter. Allan Saint-Maximin is cleaned out on the touchline as West Ham agriculturally stop an attack. Seconds later Newcastle have another go... corner.

What can West Ham muster? Free-kick on the left is cleared.

The natives are already getting restless. This should suit Newcastle. You always felt the opening goal could be crucial...

Newcastle have been waiting for a return from £40m man Joelinton and there we have one...

Miguel Almiron is nothing but rapid. The Paraguayan is taken out by Issa Diop on the edge of the Hammers box and Newcastle have a free-kick in a very promising position.

Diop walking a yellow-coloured tightrope too...

Fabian Balbuena is sniffing again but the ball bobbles wide of Newcastle's right-hand post. And then the visitors go on the attack...

More West Ham pressure. Aaron Cresswell mugs off Miguel Almiron on the left, sticking the ball through his legs and then delivering towards the goal. Jonjo Shelvey gets his body in the way. Another corner...

Robert Snodgrass gives the sign and then swings in the corner. The box is more packed than Jubilee train at rush-hour. Fabian Balbuena finds an inch to get his head on the ball - no, his shoulder - and the ball flies harmlessly over the Newcastle bar.

Ah ha, here's a chance for the home side. "If in doubt, get it out," says the voice in Ciaran Clark's head as he deals with a cross from the West Ham left. Corner.

Sorry if I curse this Newcastle fans... but it has been a decent enough start from the away side.