'Exceptional' - Matthias Jaissle delivers honest Newcastle United verdict after 2-1 win v Hull City
Newcastle United 2-1 Hull City: Matthias Jaissle spoke of his relief as his side held out for their second Premier League win of the season.
Newcastle United held out for their first Premier League home win of the season after a barnstorming start against Hull City at St James’ Park.
The Magpies raced into a 2-0 lead inside the opening seven minutes with Harvey Barnes setting up both Joe Willock and Lewis Hall. Yoane Wissa had an opportunity to make it 3-0 from the penalty spot just before half-time but saw his effort saved by Konstantinos Tzolakis.
Hull then pulled a goal back midway through the second half through Mohamed-Ali Cho and pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages. But Newcastle were able to hold out for an important three points heading into the international break.
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Relief for NUFC
Reflecting on the match, Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle said: “We're now relieved. It was an intense game, like I expected, they were unbeaten so far. I think the start in the first half was on a really high level, the right response, the right reaction after Leeds.
“That was something we were really focusing on. Usually you should have killed the game by a lead of three or four. It was totally dominating in the first half.
“Of course, the missed penalty changed a little bit the momentum, they got some hope. We had some tired bodies in the end, which we invested so much in the first half. Also in the beginning of the second half, but then as the game continued, the lads were more tired, especially to put them more under pressure and keep them more away from their own box.”
Jaissle named a matchday squad including four under-21s players due to nine first-team stars being out injured, meaning Newcastle were down to the bare bones when Sean Steur and Matias Fernandez-Pardo cramped up in the second half and were forced off.
“At the moment we suffer with nine injured players, but it was also the case that there was some limited capacity to rotate, to change, to make substitutions.
“But I'm overall really proud to see a fighting spirit, and also when you need to suffer, it's a team, they bring every ball in the box, they brought many bodies into our box. And then, you know, defending with the heart, with the commitment to win this game was exceptional, so therefore I'm really happy.”