Willock and Hall's electric start seals Newcastle victory over Hull despite late scare

Newcastle United ended Hull City’s unbeaten Premier League record with a 2-1 victory at St James’ Park, with goals from Joe Willock and Lewis Hall inside the opening seven minutes proving enough to secure the points despite a nervy finish.

Willock, making his first start since a bruising 4-1 defeat to Leeds five days earlier, broke the deadlock with a low finish past Konstantinos Tzolakis from Harvey Barnes’ pass. Barnes turned provider again moments later, this time for Lewis Hall, who dispatched the ball into the bottom right corner to double Newcastle’s advantage before the game had barely found its rhythm.

Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle made two changes from the Leeds loss, handing starts to Willock and Sean Steur, while Hull also rotated, with Sorba Thomas making his first Premier League start alongside Lucas Herrington.

The Magpies had the chance to put the game to bed before half-time when Thomas was adjudged to have fouled Jacob Murphy and VAR upheld the on-field penalty decision. However, Yoane Wissa’s spot-kick was pushed away by Tzolakis, keeping Hull’s hopes alive.

Hull grew into the contest as Mohamed Belloumi caused problems for Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, and the visitors pulled one back in the 67th minute when Belloumi threaded a pass through for substitute Mohamed-Ali Cho, whose shot bounced off the post and into the net just four minutes after he had come on.

The final stages were tense as Hull pressed for an equaliser. Hornicek parried away a Belloumi effort, Tim Iroegbunam sliced narrowly wide, and Lucas Gourna-Douath’s strike smashed into a crowded penalty area before Joe Gelhardt chipped over in the closing moments. Newcastle, however, held firm to claim a victory that will provide some relief after their heavy defeat to Leeds.

For Hull, it was a first loss in the Premier League this season, ending a promising unbeaten run as they continue to adjust to life in the top flight. Belloumi’s persistence throughout the match offered encouragement, but the concession of two goals in the opening seven minutes ultimately proved too steep a hill to climb.