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Andy Carroll scored his first Premier League goal to equalise for Newcastle and prevent his team from slipping to a third straight league defeat.

Michael Owen struck the post before his 20-yard strike put Newcastle ahead.

Craig Bellamy equalised with a composed finish from 10 yards, while Shay Given made an unbelievable save from Jack Collison after the break.

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Carlton Cole put the Hammers in front with a vicious close-range strike before Carroll headed his team level.

West Ham and Newcastle are the subject of intense speculation, with several key players at both clubs strongly linked with moves during the transfer window.

But they cast aside their off-the-pitch uncertainty to produce an entertaining game in which the quality of attacking play was far in excess of the respective defensive displays.

LAST SEASON’S CORRESPONDING GAME

Newcastle United 3-1 West Ham United

23 September 2007 – Ref: Mike Riley
Newcastle scorers: Viduka 2, 41, N’Zogbia 76
West Ham scorer: Ashton 32

THIS SEASON’S REVERSE FIXTURE

West Ham United 3-1 Newcastle United

20 September 2008 – Ref: Phil Dowd
West Ham scorers: Di Michele 8, 37, Etherington 53
Newcastle scorer: Owen 67