The Premier League returned with a bang and then some as a seven-goal thriller at St James' Park got the weekend action underway, that ended with the hosts sealing a stunning 4-3 victory.
West Ham thought they had secured a famous win themselves after initially coming from a goal down to lead 3-1, before an outstanding conclusion ended in misery for the visitors.
Harvey Barnes has seen his Magpies career hampered by injuries this season, but the 26-year-old finally got his lift-off moment after striking twice in the final 10 minutes to turn the match on its head.
Newcastle supporters and Eddie Howe revelled in a valuable victory, while David Moyes and his Hammers players were left with heads in their hands while pondering how things could go so wrong after being in such a controlling position.
Mail Sport's Craig Hope gives his expert player ratings from St James' Park.
Newcastle (4-3-3)
Martin Dubravka 4
Stuck too close to his goal for West Ham’s first. Weak hand for their second. No impact on third when again rooted to goalmouth.
Tino Livramento 5.5
Was bright early on but faded after moving to left-back and was part of poor defensive showing. Switched off for second goal. Injured second half.
Jamaal Lascelles 6
Solid start before injuring his knee after 10 minutes and subsequently being forced off.
Fabian Schar 5
Gave away the free-kick for West Ham's second goal, before staying on the ground holding his face. Outdone by Kudus for the third, too. Not his best afternoon.
Dan Burn 5.5
Had done well at left-back up against Bowen but struggled when moved to centre-back following Lascelles' injury. Antonio and Kudus caused problems but made couple of big interventions late on.
Sean Longstaff 5.5
Missed a second-half sitter that betrays a lack of confidence but kept going to play a part in his team’s sensational finish.
Bruno Guimaraes 7
Not for the first time it felt like he was playing in midfield on his own at times. His perseverance was key to Newcastle's comeback.
Joe Willock 5
Cannot be fully fit because he is just not impacting games like he can. Didn’t do a great deal.
Jacob Murphy 6.5
Delivered a couple of decent balls and the energy was there until the last after late move to right back. Looked good in that position.
Alexander Isak 8
Cool penalties and often dropped deep to get involved, the position from which he laid on Barnes' first. His best display for a while.
Anthony Gordon 7.5
The endeavour and intent were there from the off and did well to win the early penalty. End product was lacking in the middle period of game but his part in Barnes' winner was sensational. Late red card a blow.
Subs
Emil Krafth (on for Lascelles 17) 4
Lewis Hall (on for Krafth 57) 7
Elliot Anderson (on for Willock 57) 7.5
Miguel Almiron (on for Livramento 57) 5
Harvey Barnes (on for Almiron 67) 8.5
Manager - Eddie Howe 7.5
Changes turned the game with Barnes, Anderson and Hall influential sealing victory. A big win for him after a disastrous opening hour.
West Ham (4-2-3-1)
Alphonse Areola 6
Made the saves he had to with little fuss before succumbing to injury at half-time.
Vladimir Coufal 5.5
Got to grips with Gordon after difficult start in which he gave away a penalty, but Newcastle winger eventually came out on top.
Konstantinos Mavropanos 6.5
One wonderful hooked clearance to deny Isak clear header on goal and was a strong presence, until late collapse.
Kurt Zouma 5
The captain failed to take control as West Ham's defence fell apart. He was missing for Barnes' equaliser and led the inquest. He should have looked closer to home.
Emerson Palmieri 5.5
He had done well before going missing (along with defensive team-mates) in the final 15 minutes.
James Ward-Prowse 6
Had started to tire in second half as West Ham lost control, despite being cool on the ball during first hour.
Tomas Soucek 6
Caught cold when Barnes ran clear for his first goal and that spoilt what was an otherwise solid performance.
Mohammed Kudus 8
Was the game’s best player before Newcastle's comeback. So quick, direct and there is quality to boot. Finish was too strong for goalkeeper Dubravka for his side’s second and a wonderful run and pass to set up Bowen for the third.
Lucas Paqueta 7
Sublime pass over top to lay on Antonio goal. A class act on the ball but could have done more off it.
Jarrod Bowen 7.5
Assisted Kudus for the game's second goal and produced cool finish for the third. Unlucky to end up on losing team.
Michail Antonio 7.5
A menace throughout and was clinical in dispatching equaliser. Bullied Newcastle defence. If he stays on, West Ham probably win.
Subs
Lukasz Fabiański (on for Areola 46) 5
Kalvin Phillips (on for Antonio 69) 3
Bem Johnson (on for Ward-Prowse 84)
Danny Ings (on for Coufal 90)
Manager - David Moyes 4
Like Howe, his subs changed the game. Only not how he imagined. Phillips coming on was a disaster.