West Ham United ended Newcastle United’s winning streak with a 3-0 win at St James’ Park on Saturday.

Whilst Javier Hernandez’s brace and Felipe Anderson’s scintillating display will earn plenty of deserved plaudits, the performance of Robert Snodgrass ought not to get overlooked.

Having spent last season out on loan with Championship outfit Aston Villa, Snodgrass’ prospects of having an impact for the Hammers this season looked bleak. Especially considering the money Manuel Pellegrini spent on new attacking talent in the summer.

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However, the 31-year-old returned to east London intent on forcing his way into the first team reckoning and remarkably achieved that aim. The 26-cap Scotland international is now a key part of Pellegrini’s team.

His renaissance as a West Ham player continued with another fine performance against the Magpies. The midfielder put in another hard-working, selfless shift, which West Ham fans and Pellegrini alike are sure to have appreciated.

Snodgrass was a physical, combative presence for the Irons, and put his 6’0” frame to good use by winning seven aerial duels - more than any other player on the pitch. 

Snodgrass was also a vital part of West Ham’s attacking play. The midfielder made two key passes - one of which resulted in an assist as Hernandez prodded home Snodgrass’ delightful whipped cross - and also completed one successful dribble.

Had he been able to achieve a pass completion rating greater that 66.7% it would have been a complete performance. However, the display certainly was a reminder of Snodgrass’ new-found importance to this West Ham squad, and to have attained such a role is a great achievement for a player who appeared down and out at the club less than six months ago.