Two Newcastle goals in seven minutes end Hull’s unbeaten start

Newcastle beat Hull City 2-1 at St James’ Park on Saturday, ending the visitors’ unbeaten start to the Premier League season. The result cuts Hull’s lead over Newcastle to three points after four matches.

How it happened

Newcastle seized control inside seven minutes. Joe Willock opened the scoring in the third minute from Harvey Barnes’ assist, and Lewis Hall doubled the advantage four minutes later, again supplied by Barnes. Yoane Wissa missed a 45th-minute penalty, but Hull’s Mohamed Ali Cho gave the visitors a route back in the 67th minute with an assist from Mohamed Belloumi. Newcastle held on through the final 23 minutes.

The numbers

Newcastle had 56% possession and completed 445 accurate passes from 502 attempts, compared with Hull’s 293 accurate passes from 366. Hull generated more attacking volume, registering 21 shots to Newcastle’s 11 and 13 efforts inside the box to nine. Newcastle, however, put five shots on goal against Hull’s four, while both goalkeepers made three saves.

Who decided it

Harvey Barnes shaped the opening phase with two assists in seven minutes, setting up both Willock and Hall. He finished with a match rating of 8.2, 90 minutes played, one shot on target and two key passes. Willock matched Barnes’ 8.2 rating after his early goal, with one shot on target and one tackle in 87 minutes.

Why it matters

Newcastle are ranked 12th with five points, improving a record that stood at one win, two draws and one loss after four games. Hull remain fifth on eight points, while Arsenal lead on 12; the result leaves Newcastle seven points behind the leaders and Hull four adrift.