Moussa Sissoko likens Newcastle's Jonjo Shelvey to Steven Gerrard after stunning debut

The club climbed out of the Premier League’s relegation zone after beating West Ham United 2-1 on Saturday thanks to goals from Ayoze Perez and Georginio Wijnaldum.

Newcastle’s win followed a 3-3 home draw against Manchester United.

The two results followed the club’s FA Cup defeat to Watford, a result which led to an angry reaction from fans at Vicarage Road.

Newcastle also signed midfielders Jonjo Shelvey and Henri Saivet last week.

And Shelvey was instrumental in orchestrating the victory over West Ham, having had a hand in both goals.

“It feels like a big week for the club,” said midfielder Sissoko

“Against Manchester United, it was a fantastic game and we made one point.

“We said we have to win this game, and we did it. Shelvey started and he played very well, showing some very good things, and Saivet came on and he also did very well.

“So I hope they can now help us for the rest of the season, because we need everyone to help us finish higher up the league, if it’s possible.”

Shelvey, signed from Swansea City for £12million, was the talk of Tyneside after the game.

And Sissoko feels Shelvey is a carbon copy of Steven Gerrard – his former Liverpool team-mate – given his athleticism and range of passing.

“He is a really good signing for us,” said Sissoko. “For me, his style is very similar to Steven Gerrard’s.

“He can play the long ball easily, he can get on the second balls, he gave a fantastic ball to Daryl (Janmaat) and then Daryl crossed for Gini, so he’s going to be a very good player for us.

“I hope he and Saivet are going to help us for the rest of the season, because we need everyone to contribute to winning games and moving us forward.”