Steve Bruce's side deservedly led 2-1 at half-time after goals from Callum Wilson and Jacob Murphy.
However, the Magpies fell apart after the break. Said Benrahma equalised, Tomas Soucek’s followed up Michail Antonio’s saved penalty before the latter added a fourth.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at St James’s Park – and here’s how he rated each Newcastle player:
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5. Ciaran Clark - 5
West Ham's attackers proved too difficult for Clark with plenty of moves coming down his side. Photo: Michael Regan
6. Matt Ritchie - 6
Ritchie got up and down the left brilliantly in the first-half but as West Ham pushed forward, his lack of pace was exposed. Photo: Michael Regan
7. Jonjo Shelvey - 5
A typical Shelvey performance. Produced some standout passes but in terms of the midfield overall, he goes missing far too often. Photo: Clive Rose
8. Isaac Hayden - 6
Slotted into a back three late on after Krafth was hooked. Got in some advanced positions early on. Wasn’t like his usual, well-timed tackling, self. Photo: Michael Regan