The Hammers closed back to within four points of seventh-placed Wolves with a comfortable Premier League victory that was set in motion by highly rated midfielder Rice, who nodded in early on.

Newcastle's defending had been generous for that strike and it was accommodating again as captain Noble tucked away a penalty later in the first period.

There was little by way of a response after the restart and, while West Ham can look up the table in the final months of the season, Newcastle is still not assured of top-flight survival.

An energetic start from West Ham was rewarded with the opener inside seven minutes as Rice evaded Fabian Schar from Robert Snodgrass' right-wing corner and headed down past Martin Dubravka.

And in a first half otherwise light on goalmouth action, more poor Newcastle defending shortly before the break saw Florian Lejeune dive in on Javier Hernandez in the area, allowing Noble to smash home from 12 yards.

Ayoze Perez screwed wide after he was sent through early in the second period, before Lukasz Fabianski held on as Salomon Rondon thundered in a low strike.

But there would be no comeback for the visitors, despite Rondon going close with a late free-kick, as West Ham completed a league double over the Magpies.