Newcastle, who won the Championship title last season, traveled to Huddersfield Town- only promoted by the playoffs- on Sunday. And the result did not go the way they wanted as Huddersfield remained perfect on the new season. Here are three thoughts from the action:
Mooy the man the Magpies need
At first glance, you’d be remiss to tell a difference between Newcastle’s latest scapegoat, Jonjo Shelvey, and the man that won the match for the visitors. But they are different men indeed, and Aaron Mooy showed just that with his winner.
Mooy, ever so cool and composed, played a succession of one-twos before curling a deft effort into the corner of the net from the left side of the 18-yard box. That goal showed exactly what Newcastle are lacking, and it is a big reason they are six points back of Huddersfield at this very early stage.
14 – Aaron Mooy’s opener featured the most passes in the build-up of any goal scored in the @premierleague so far this season. Style. pic.twitter.com/RowoOHPvoR
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 20, 2017
Issues aplenty for Rafa
In addition to having no supplier of passes from the midfield, Newcastle’s outlook in this match was one that indicated that they were fine with being second best. The Magpies were routinely beaten to the ball, they were pushed around, and they were outran by their counterparts.
One season ago, they split results in the Championship. But only one side has improved measurably, while the other may have actually slipped back some. Whatever is causing the issue isn’t known at this point, but it must be rectified- and fast- or Newcastle will end up back in the Championship again next term.
Gayle needs a little more time
I know. Modern football is all about results. What have you done for me lately? Dwight Gayle, admittedly has done little. But to be fair, has his replacement Joselu done much of anything, either? At least Gayle scored bundles of Championship goals last season.
The former Palace striker has the quality, and he looks like he might just be lacking a little bit of fitness. It would be foolish to say wait the whole season, but he does deserve at least a month more to prove his worth. With the international break coming up, it could be a great time for everyone to get rejuvenated and prepare for the bulk of the season to come.
