Newcastle United vs Hull City: Magpies Must Respond After Leeds Setback

Newcastle United return to St James’ Park on Saturday looking for a response after a disappointing night at Elland Road.

The 4-1 defeat against Leeds was easily the poorest performance of the Matthias Jaissle era so far. Newcastle struggled to deal with Leeds’ intensity and physicality, particularly during a first half in which the game quickly got away from them.

But one poor result shouldn’t define what is still a very new Newcastle side.

Jaissle is implementing a different style of football, several new players are still settling into the squad and there are going to be bumps along the way. What matters now is how Newcastle respond.

And Hull City will provide a serious test.

Hull Are No Ordinary Newly Promoted Side

Anyone expecting Newcastle to simply turn up and beat a newly promoted team could be in for a surprise.

Hull have made an excellent start to life back in the Premier League and arrive on Tyneside unbeaten in their opening four league matches.

The Tigers have already beaten Manchester United and Coventry City, drawn with Aston Villa and most recently came away from Stamford Bridge with a 2-2 draw against Chelsea.

That has given Hull eight points from their opening four matches and plenty of confidence heading to St James’ Park.

They have shown that they are organised, difficult to break down and capable of causing established Premier League teams problems.

Newcastle Need Their Intensity Back

The biggest disappointment against Leeds wasn’t simply the scoreline. Newcastle were second best in too many of the battles across the pitch.

At St James’ Park, that has to change.

The supporters will expect Newcastle to start aggressively, move the ball quicker and put Hull under pressure from the opening whistle.

Jaissle has made it clear that he isn’t abandoning his approach because of one setback. This is a young and developing Newcastle side and Saturday gives them an immediate opportunity to show that lessons have been learned.

There are also injury concerns within the squad, making the task more difficult, but Newcastle cannot afford to use that as an excuse.

A Tough Afternoon Ahead

Hull’s unbeaten record means this should not be viewed as an easy home fixture.

They will arrive believing they can get something from the game, particularly after taking a point away at Chelsea.

For Newcastle, this is about producing a reaction.

The defeat at Leeds hurt, but football moves quickly. A strong performance at St James’ Park would immediately change the mood heading into the international break.

New manager. New players. New system.

There will be setbacks along the way.

Now it’s time to see how this Newcastle United side responds.

Howay the Lads!