Newcastle United returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Hull City at St James’ Park on Saturday, ending the visitors’ unbeaten start to the Premier League season.
The hosts made a blistering start, scoring twice within the opening seven minutes to put Hull under immediate pressure.
Joe Willock opened the scoring after just three minutes, finishing low past goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis after Harvey Barnes helped create the opportunity.
Barnes was involved again four minutes later as Newcastle doubled their advantage. The winger combined with Lewis Hall before the left-back produced a composed finish into the bottom corner.
Newcastle looked capable of adding to their lead, but Hull gradually settled and began to create opportunities of their own.
The home side had a chance to make it 3-0 shortly before half-time when they were awarded a penalty after Sorba Thomas brought down Jacob Murphy. Yoane Wissa stepped up, but his effort was saved by Tzolakis, giving Hull renewed hope.
That missed opportunity proved significant as Hull returned from the break with greater attacking intent.
Newcastle’s injury problems also began to show as the home side relied heavily on a youthful squad. Manager Matthias Jaissle was forced to make adjustments, including introducing experienced defender Fabian Schär during the second half.
Hull eventually reduced the deficit in the 67th minute. Mohamed-Ali Cho, introduced only minutes earlier, took advantage of a Newcastle mistake and fired a close-range effort past Lukas Hornicek.
The goal shifted the momentum firmly towards the visitors, who subjected Newcastle to sustained pressure during the closing stages.
Hull created several opportunities to find an equaliser, but Newcastle’s defence and goalkeeper managed to withstand the late onslaught.
The victory provides Newcastle with a response following their heavy 4-1 defeat away to Leeds United five days earlier.
For Hull, the defeat brought an end to their unbeaten beginning to life in the Premier League, although their second-half performance demonstrated their ability to compete after falling two goals behind so early in the contest.
Newcastle ultimately held on for three points in a match that looked comfortable in the opening stages but became increasingly difficult as Hull fought their way back into contention.
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