Newcastle United takes early lead against Hull City with goals from Willock and Hall
Joe Willock's first-minute strike and Lewis Hall's contribution give the Magpies a dream start at St. James' Park as they look to bounce back from their Leeds thrashing
It took Joe Willock roughly 90 seconds to make Hull City regret showing up to St. James’ Park. The midfielder found the net in the opening minutes of Newcastle’s matchweek 5 clash against Hull City on September 19, 2026, giving the home crowd something to roar about after what had been a rough stretch for the Magpies.
Lewis Hall, deployed at left-back, also got on the scoresheet as Newcastle raced into an early lead against a Hull City side that came into the match sitting around third in the Premier League standings.
A response written in 90 seconds
Newcastle needed this. Five days earlier, Leeds United had dismantled them 4-1 in a result that left manager Matthias Jaissle searching for answers.
The response came almost immediately. Willock’s opener was the product of a slick combination involving Harvey Barnes and Lewis Miley. Barnes worked the ball forward, Miley found space to thread a pass, and Willock finished with composure.
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Hull City’s surprising early-season form meets a brick wall
What makes this result particularly notable is who Newcastle were doing it against. Hull City’s positioning around third place in the Premier League entering matchweek 5 was one of the more compelling storylines of the early season.
Jaissle’s rebuild finds a gear
Matthias Jaissle’s tenure at Newcastle has been a study in patience so far. A mid-table position through the first four matchweeks was hardly the start anyone at the club envisioned, and the Leeds demolition threatened to turn skepticism into something louder.
Injuries have complicated matters for both sides. Newcastle entered the match without several key players, making the contributions of Willock, Hall, Barnes, and the 19-year-old Miley all the more valuable.