The 31-year-old, a traditional poacher, struggled to make an impact during the 1-1 draw at St James’s Park as Ryan Fraser spearheaded the Magpies attack.
"We've played a certain way now for the past six, seven weeks,” head coach Steve Bruce said when asked about Gayle’s role.
"I spoke briefly on it last week, of not trying to change the shape of us, the way we've gone about how we're trying to play.
“I'll be a bit more technical and say we're playing with split strikers if you like, but that's the way we've gone about our work and I changed him and Ryan just after half-time.
"That's the way we've set up and that's the way we're going to continue."
The former Crystal Palace striker’s difficulty to stamp his authority on matches may not only affect Newcastle but Gayle personally as well in his bid to win a new contract.
As things stand, Gayle is set to become a free agent this summer after five years on Tyneside – but it seems he won’t be short of offers.
According to the Daily Mirror, Galatasaray are keen on signing Gayle, as are a number of Turkish clubs. Teams in Qatar and Saudi Arabia are also keeping an eye on his situation.
Indeed, if Gayle was to join Gala, he’d join former Magpies teammate DeAndre Yedlin, who joined the European club in January.
Here are the latest transfer headlines from Newcastle and their Premier League rivals:
5. Sanchez 'earmarked' by Man Utd
Manchester United have earmarked Burnley’s Nick Pope and Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Robert Sanchez as potential signings, if David de Gea leaves Old Trafford this summer. (Daily Star) Photo: NEIL HALL
6. Solskjaer eyes £60m in player sales
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes to raise £60million in player sales this summer after being handed a modest budget of around £80m. Solskjaer wants to sign a centre-back, a right winger, a defensive midfielder and a centre forward. (Metro) Photo: OLI SCARFF
7. Arsenal consider Brighton pair
Arsenal are considering a move for Brighton pair Yves Bissouma and Tariq Lamptey. The Gunners have asked to be kept informed of Bissouma’s situation, while Lamptey is a potential replacement for Hector Bellerin. (Daily Express) Photo: Pool
8. Leeds cast eye over youngster
Hibernian striker Ethan Laidlaw spent last week on trial at Leeds United. The 16-year-old, who signed his first professional contract in February, is attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs. (Daily Record) Photo: Pool