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Post-Match ReportMatchweek 5
NewcastleNewcastle
2–1
Sat, 19 September 2026
Hull CityHull City
▶ Match highlights
📍 St James' Park🟨 Tony Harrington👥 52,647
PremAnalytics AIMatch Analysis (β)This analysis is generated by AI. Accuracy of the output is not guaranteed.

Match Summary

Magpies Survive Tigers' Late Surge After Lightning-Fast Start

In Gameweek 5 at St James' Park, Newcastle United secured a vital three points with a 2-1 victory over Hull City. The match exploded into life within the first seven minutes. Joe Willock opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, followed swiftly by a Lewis Hall strike in the 7th. Both goals were expertly set up by Harvey Barnes, giving the home side a dominant early advantage. Just before the half-time whistle, Newcastle had a golden opportunity to put the game to bed when Yoane Wissa stepped up for a penalty. However, Hull goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis produced a brilliant save, keeping the away side's hopes alive and shifting the momentum heading into the break. Hull City came out with renewed vigor in the second half, heavily utilizing the flanks to pressure the Newcastle defense. Their efforts paid off in the 67th minute when substitute Mohamed Ali Cho found the back of the net, assisted by Bachir Belloumi. Despite a late barrage of crosses from Hull, Newcastle's defense, anchored by Sven Botman, held firm to seal the 2-1 win.

Match Flow

Newcastle completely dominated the first half, capitalizing on quick transitions orchestrated by Barnes to score twice within the opening seven minutes. Hull City struggled to cope, picking up three yellow cards in the first half, but Tzolakis's penalty save in stoppage time breathed life into them. In the second half, Hull regained possession and territorial advantage, launching wave after wave of attacks down the left flank through Ryan Giles, who delivered 15 crosses. Cho's goal in the 67th minute reduced the deficit, but Newcastle managed the game well in the closing stages, with Miley and Botman making crucial interventions to disrupt Hull's rhythm and secure the win.

Key Moments

3'

Willock's Early Blow

Right after kick-off, Harvey Barnes created a brilliant chance for Joe Willock, who found the back of the net to give Newcastle an early lead.

45+2'

Tzolakis's Crucial Penalty Save

Just before half-time, Hull GK Kostas Tzolakis perfectly read Yoane Wissa's penalty attempt, preventing a 3-0 deficit and keeping his team in the game.

67'

Impact Sub: Cho Strikes Back

Introduced in the 63rd minute, Mohamed Ali Cho made an immediate impact by scoring from a Bachir Belloumi assist just four minutes later, sparking Hull's comeback attempt.

Tactical Analysis

Newcastle

Newcastle focused on isolating Barnes on the left flank, using his 1v1 ability to break down the defense. Left-back Lewis Hall pushed high, alternating between underlaps and overlaps to confuse Hull's right-sided defense. Out of possession, they formed a 4-5-1 block, relying heavily on Botman (3 interceptions) to repel Hull's crosses in the second half.

Hull City

Hull City paid the price for their disorganized early defending, but adjusted in the second half by heavily emphasizing the attacking runs of left-back Ryan Giles, who delivered a staggering 15 crosses. Right winger Belloumi (5 shots, 5 crosses) was tasked with attacking the far post. The introduction of Iroegbunam improved their second-ball recovery in midfield.

Tactical Matchup

The match was a clear clash of styles: Newcastle's vertical speed against Hull's wide crossing bombardment. By securing an early lead, Newcastle could afford to let Hull have the ball in the second half, forcing them into wide areas. While Hull's crossing tactic was relentless, their lack of clinical finishing in the center (only 3 shots on target) ultimately cost them the game.

Notable Performers

8.5
Harvey BarnesNewcastle

Recorded 2 assists and orchestrated the attack. Constantly threatened the defense with 4 crosses and 2 shots.

8.0
Lewis HallNewcastle

Scored a brilliant second goal and provided 6 crosses. Completely dominated the left flank both offensively and defensively.

7.5
Bachir BelloumiHull City

Hull's most dangerous attacker. Registered a team-high 5 shots and provided the assist for Cho's goal.

7.5
Kostas TzolakisHull City

His penalty save just before half-time was spectacular. Despite conceding two, his intervention kept the game competitive.

⭐

Man of the Match

β
8.5
Harvey BarnesNewcastle

Dictated the outcome of the match with two assists in the opening seven minutes. His chance creation from the left was of the highest quality, and the Hull defense never managed to contain him.

Issues & Outlook

Newcastle

Despite a fantastic start, they failed to extend their lead after Wissa's missed penalty and were forced to defend deep for long periods in the second half. While the defense deserves credit for holding on, improving possession retention to kill off games will be a priority for the next fixture.

Hull City

The lack of concentration in the opening minutes cost them dearly. However, their second-half surge, driven by Giles's crossing and the impact of substitutes like Cho, was highly positive. Next week, they must improve their early defensive intensity and their clinical edge inside the box when attacking crosses.

Player Stats

Newcastle

⇅#?Player⇅Min?⇅G?⇅A?
3Lewis Hall9010
4Sven Botman9000
5Fabian Schär2500
8Aladji Bamba400
9Yoane Wissa9000
11Harvey Barnes9002
12Malick Thiaw9000
14Sean Steur6500
17Bazoumana Touré1700
20Matias Fernandez-Pardo7300
21Lukáš Horníček9000
23Jacob Murphy9000
28Joe Willock8610
67Lewis Miley9000

Hull City

⇅#?Player⇅Min?⇅G?⇅A?
2Lewie Coyle9000
3Ryan Giles9000
6Semi Ajayi9000
7Sorba Thomas6200
9Oliver McBurnie9000
10Bachir Belloumi8201
11Joe Gelhardt800
15John Egan7700
19Kostas Tzolakis9000
22Lucas Herrington9000
25Matt Crooks4500
27Regan Slater7700
29Lucas Gourna-Douath1300
42Tim Iroegbunam4500
47Robinio Vaz1300
50Mohamed Ali Cho2810