Newcastle United secured a vital 2-1 victory over Hull City at St James' Park, ending the newly promoted side's unbeaten start to the Premier League season. The win lifts Newcastle to 12th place with five points from their opening four matches, providing a key response after their heavy defeat at Leeds. The team's recent form shows a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth and a 2-0 win at Tottenham, contributing to their total of seven goals scored and eight conceded this campaign.
Joe Willock opened the scoring after just three minutes, finishing from close range after Harvey Barnes's initial pass. Barnes was the creator again four minutes later, setting up Lewis Hall to double the advantage with a low drive. The quick-fire start proved decisive, with manager Matthias Jaissle acknowledging the importance of the fast beginning after a difficult week. "Jaissle had harsh words for his players following last Monday’s 4-1 defeat at Leeds," a club statement confirmed.
Hull fightback and key save
Hull City, who had started the season with two wins and two draws, fought back strongly in the second half. Their pressure told in the 67th minute when summer signing Mohamed Ali-Cho converted from close range after a pass from Mohamed Belloumi. The visitors then won a penalty with Sorba Thomas brought down, but goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis preserved Newcastle's lead by saving Yoane Wissa's spot-kick. Hull continued to bombard the Newcastle goal with crosses and shots, but the Magpies held firm.
Tactical reshuffle and injuries
With eight senior players absent through injury, Jaissle was forced into adjustments during the game. The introduction of 34-year-old defender Fabian Schär for midfielder Sean Steur prompted a shift to a back three. "That configuration is, as he has made abundantly clear, far from Jaissle’s favourite formation," the manager noted. Lewis Miley was also moved from right-back into midfield during the second half. The defensive changes helped see out a result that breaks Hull's impressive record at St James' Park, where they had never previously lost in three Premier League visits.
The victory provides a significant morale boost ahead of a trip to face bottom-placed Coventry City on 12 October. Newcastle's current league position and recent results, including a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth and a 2-0 win at Tottenham, are detailed in our standings section. The team has scored seven goals this season but conceded eight.
The original report is at The Guardian Football
Manager Matthias Jaissle confirmed Newcastle United have nine players currently injured. Speaking to reporters after the 2-1 win over Hull City, Jaissle said the absences "didn't help in the second half when Hull was bringing everything in our box." The victory lifts Newcastle to 8th in the Premier League with eight points from five games. The club has scored nine goals and conceded nine this season.
Manager Matthias Jaissle told reporters he was proud of his team's reaction after their defeat at Leeds. He said the first half against Hull was probably the best of the season so far. Jaissle added, "We could have killed the game, actually, if we scored a third goal." Hull head coach Sergej Jakirovic said his team lost the game in the first half. He stated, "We were poor. We made two mistakes and they punished us with their quality." Newcastle are 8th in the Premier League with eight points from five games.
