Newcastle were ‘not what they want to be’ against Leeds, says Thiaw

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Malick Thiaw says Newcastle United’s performance against Leeds United in the Premier League was not “what they want to be” as they aim to bounce back against Hull City.

Matthias Jaissle suffered his first defeat in charge of the Magpies on Monday, as they were thrashed 4-1 by Leeds at Elland Road.

Their sole goal was a 90th-minute consolation after Leeds had dominated for the majority of the contest, meaning they remain 12th in the table with five points.

Jaissle said it was “difficult to digest” the result after that match, and Thiaw was equally disappointed, claiming Newcastle were off the level they want to be.

“Obviously one is the disappointment. You take it personal,” he said about the game.

“[I am] really, really, really, really disappointed. How we performed, the result… It’s not what Newcastle want to be.

“We still have quality. Overall, what’s more important than quality is attitude, the energy we have to bring. Leeds were just better than us in these kind of terms.”

A chance to put it right at home on Saturday pic.twitter.com/SjyoXbuKK8

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) September 15, 2026

As for Hull, they remain unbeaten in the Premier League this season following their promotion and currently sit fourth in the table.

After beating Manchester United and Coventry City to start the season, they have since drawn with Aston Villa and Chelsea.

Ryan Giles was one of the standout performers in their 2-2 draw with the Blues, having been linked with a move away from the club in the transfer window, and he is relishing his chance to play for the club in the top-flight.

“I always wanted to stay at Hull City,” Giles told Hull Live. “It is a brilliant opportunity for me to play Premier League football this year.

“Things come about, and the club had to have a look at the situation. They obviously wanted me to stay, and I appreciate that.

“It is about me kicking on now and keep trying to put in positive performances for the team. Hopefully, long may that continue.

“There is a lot of quality in the squad, and that is a good headache for the manager. It’s about us all sticking together, and that we keep pushing each other; that is important. A good togetherness can take us a long way.”

No player has won possession more than Lewis Hall in the Premier League so far this season (31).

He has also completed more dribbles than any other defender (six).

Mohamed Belloumi has two goals and one assist in his four Premier League games for Hull so far.

The only players with more goal involvements in their first five appearances for the Tigers are Mohamed Diame (four goals) and Dame N’Doye (three goals, one assist).

— Hull City (@HullCity) September 16, 2026

MATCH PREDICTION: NEWCASTLE UNITED WIN

Newcastle have won two of their last three Premier League games against Hull (D1), with this being the first meeting since a 3-0 away win in January 2015.

But Hull have never lost a Premier League away game against Newcastle in three visits (W2 D1) – they are the only side to play at St. James’ Park more than once in the competition and never lose.

The Tigers are looking to become the first newly promoted Premier League side to avoid defeat in their first five games since Portsmouth in 2003-04, while the last promoted side to hit double figures for points after five games was West Ham in 2005-06 (10).

Only Crystal Palace (42) and Chelsea (40) have conceded more league goals so far in 2026 than Newcastle (39). They have kept just two clean sheets in their last 20 league games, with both shutouts coming in London (1-0 at Chelsea, 2-0 at Spurs).

But despite a shaky defence, they have been strong up top this term; only Chelsea (3.5) have overperformed their expected goals more than Newcastle (3.1) so far, with the Magpies netting seven times from just 3.9 xG.

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