Newcastle United held off a spirited second-half comeback from Hull City to secure a 2-1 victory and end the promoted side’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season.
Matthias Jaissle demanded a response from his players following their heavy 4-1 defeat against Leeds United, and Newcastle delivered during an aggressive opening half at St James’ Park.
Joe Willock, recalled to the starting line-up, gave the hosts the perfect start after only three minutes.
Harvey Barnes poked the ball into the midfielder’s path, allowing Willock to fire home from inside the penalty area.
Newcastle doubled their lead after once again winning possession high up the pitch.
Barnes moved beyond two Hull defenders before releasing Lewis Hall, who drilled an angled shot into the bottom corner.
The hosts were handed an opportunity to extend their advantage when Sorba Thomas brought down Jacob Murphy inside the box.
However, Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis guessed correctly and saved Yoane Wissa’s penalty shortly before half-time.
That stop gave Hull renewed belief, and Sergej Jakirovic’s side produced a much stronger performance after the break.
Substitute Mohamed-Ali Cho scored his first goal since joining from Nice to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finish.
Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek then produced an excellent flying save to deny Mohamed Belloumi’s powerful long-range effort.
Tim Iroegbunam also went close to equalising late on but sent his half-volley over the crossbar from close range.
Despite coming under sustained pressure, Newcastle held on to move up to eighth in the table, while Hull dropped to seventh after suffering their first league defeat of the campaign.
The match proved to be a tale of two halves for Newcastle.
Jaissle’s demand for greater intensity was evident early on, with Lewis Miley winning possession during the build-up to Willock’s opener and Hall dispossessing a Hull player before scoring the second.
However, the hosts struggled to maintain control after the interval and showed signs of nervousness as Hull pushed forward.
Jaissle praised the determination his young squad displayed to protect the lead, particularly after Newcastle surrendered similar advantages several times last season.
The Magpies now have eight points from their opening five league matches, providing a solid foundation after a summer of significant change.
Hull, meanwhile, can take plenty of encouragement despite the defeat.
The visitors registered 21 attempts and had 35 touches inside Newcastle’s penalty area, demonstrating their ability to compete at Premier League level.
Having already produced competitive performances against Manchester United, Coventry City, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Newcastle, Hull’s encouraging start suggests they are capable of mounting a strong fight for survival.
