Jack’s a Payne in neck for Benitez
Newcastle plunge to second straight defeat
NEWCASTLE 1 Gayle 60 HUDDERSFIELD 2 Wells 45, Payne 82
RAFAEL BENITEZ was a frustrated figure at a sell-out St James’ Park as 52,079 fans saw Newcastle suffer a second consecutive defeat on their return to the Championship.
They were given hope when Nahki Wells’ opening goal for Huddersfield was cancelled out by Dwight Gayle’s first since his £10m switch from Crystal Palace, nodding in after his penalty was saved by Danny Ward.
But with Newcastle pressing for a winner, Huddersfield broke away and hit a second through sub Jack Payne.
Benitez admitted: ‘We weren’t expecting this kind of performance. We knew Huddersfield would be difficult to break down, but we didn’t play at the level we wanted to.
‘We improved a lot in the second half, but it is really disappointing. I’ve seen the team doing well in training, but we have to show the same things in the match – the quality, personality and the character. We’ve not seen that.
‘We made too many mistakes, and we need to show character and quality to improve things.
‘The players on the pitch, they were trying, they are good players. They can do much better, but we didn’t play at the level we were expecting.
‘The only positive was the fans – they were behind us.’
Huddersfield boss David Wagner, backed by more than 3,000 travelling fans, said: ‘My first feeling is that I am proud for my players. It was an outstanding performance, in terms of togetherness.
‘We were brave and we stuck to our match plan, which was a lot different to what we played before. It was a great moment for my players to celebrate with the away fans.
‘The supporters will be a big help for us if we want to take a step forward as a team and club, they showed that. They have to help us, and we have to deliver also. It was great for me to see them celebrate with the supporters.
‘All 24 teams can challenge in this division. We don’t have any reason to dream. We have every reason to work, and this is what we do.’