Newcastle’s Early 2-0 Lead Holds Despite Hull’s Shot Advantage

Newcastle defeated Hull City 2-1 at St James’ Park on Saturday, September 19, securing a Premier League victory after leading 2-0 at half-time. The result ended Newcastle’s matchday with three points, while Hull City’s unbeaten start came to an end.

Newcastle strike twice in seven minutes

Newcastle made the decisive start. Joe Willock opened the scoring in the third minute, finishing an attack assisted by Harvey Barnes. Lewis Hall then doubled the advantage in the seventh minute, again with Barnes providing the assist. The two early goals gave Newcastle control of the scoreline and established a cushion before the interval.

Barnes was Newcastle’s standout performer by match rating, receiving an 8.2. His two assists were central to the winning margin, while he also recorded one shot on target and two key passes. Willock matched the 8.2 rating after scoring once in 87 minutes.

Missed penalty and Hull’s response

Newcastle had a chance to extend the lead just before half-time when Yoane Wissa missed a penalty in the 45th minute. The miss kept Hull within reach, although Newcastle still carried a two-goal advantage into the break.

Hull changed personnel at half-time, with Tim Iroegbunam replacing Matt Crooks. Mohamed Ali Cho entered for Sorba Thomas in the 63rd minute and reduced the deficit four minutes later. Cho scored for Hull with an assist from Mohamed Belloumi, making the closing stages more competitive. Newcastle later made changes involving Fabian Schär and Bazoumana Touré, while Hull brought on Lucas Gourna-Douath and Robinio Vaz.

Hull had more attempts but could not level

The statistics show a contrast between the result and Hull’s attacking volume. Hull recorded 21 total shots to Newcastle’s 11, including 13 shots inside the box compared with Newcastle’s nine. However, Newcastle had five shots on target and Hull had four, while both goalkeepers made three saves.

Newcastle held 56% possession and completed 445 accurate passes from 502 attempts, compared with Hull’s 293 accurate passes from 366. Newcastle also won four corners to Hull’s seven. These figures suggest Newcastle had more control of possession and circulation, while Hull created more shooting opportunities but converted only once.

Result changes both teams’ form

Newcastle’s previous sequence was draw, win, draw, loss. This victory gives them eight points after five matches, compared with the supplied pre-match position of 12th and five points from four games. Hull entered with two wins and two draws, but now have eight points after five matches. Their supplied pre-match ranking was fifth.

Discipline also favoured Newcastle: Hull received four yellow cards, including bookings for Crooks, Belloumi, Konstantinos Tzolakis and Ryan Giles, while Jacob Murphy was Newcastle’s only cautioned player. Neither side received a red card.
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