In a pulsating game both teams had a host of chances to win the game but in the end the Hammers ran out victorious.
Kevin Nolan scored the goal on his return to Newcastle and refused to perform his obligatory chicken-dance celebration in front of his former supporters.
Jussi Jaaskelainen was in fine form in the Hammers goal, securing his second successive clean sheet and four points for the Hammers in games against teams that finished 1st and 5th in the Premier League last season.