Dwight Gayle’s equaliser after Nahki Wells’ opener was not enough for Newcastle United as Huddersfield Town claimed the points with a late winner from Jack Payne. Where was the game lost for the Magpies?

NOT ENOUGH ATTACKING POWER

Dwight Gayle may have got off the mark, albeit by heading in his own missed penalty, but Rafael Benitez has soon found out that he does not have enough strength in the final third for the Championship.

That could change after Aleksandar Mitrovic serves the final two matches of his suspension, but the Huddersfield defence showed – just like Fulham eight days earlier – that the Magpies are too lightweight in attack.

Time and again the balls into the box were easily mopped up by the Huddersfield backline and goalkeeper. Gayle was brushed aside far too easily – as was Ayoze Perez when he was introduced, and not even Mohamed Diame could make a difference.

SLOW OUT OF THE BLOCKS

If Newcastle’s expensively assembled squad has learned anything from the first two matches in the Championship then it is that they can’t afford to start games slowly.

Huddersfield, like Fulham, could have been ahead before they eventually did take the lead just before the break through Wells.

After half-time Newcastle pushed on more and played with greater urgency but that should have been the case from the first whistle, particularly at home in front of 52,000 fans.

CAPTAINCY WOES

Jamaal Lascelles might have a bright future and lead by example in the dressing room, but he will be frustrated with two crucial contributions in the first two matches.

While he has, by and large, held the backline together well with two different partners at the heart of the back four, he will be annoyed with himself for being at fault for two of the three goals conceded.

This time he stood off the attacker in the first half to allow Wells to convert the opener on the stroke of half-time; eight days after giving Matt Smith a free header at Craven Cottage. He was also unable to prevent Jack Payne from hitting the winner.

BRIGHT SPOT OUT WIDE

Two games in and two sound performances from Matt Ritchie on the wing. This time he only came on at the break because of a slight injury problem during the week, but Newcastle need him – big time.

The £12m winger’s deliveries are something else, and should be even better when Mitrovic’s presence is in and around the box. He also provides the side with greater width, which is what they also need on the opposite flank.

NEWCASTLE BOSS RAFAEL BENITEZ

"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's really disappointing.

"I've seen the team doing well in training but we have to show the same things in the match the quality the personality and the character. We've not seen that today.

“We made too many mistakes and we need to show that character and quality to improve things. The players on the pitch they were trying they are good players. The players can do much better but we didn't play at the level we were expecting. The only positive today was the fans, they were behind the fans.”

On Sissoko’s future? Rafa added: "We have to be sure he's training well and is ready and if someone comes with the right offer, fine."

HUDDERSFIELD BOSS DAVID WAGNER

"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.

“We scored with a transition twice and everyone helped each other. In the first half it was very good. In the second half, if we want to win against Newcastle away – like all teams here - then you need a bit of luck and we had that in the second half. It was a great moment for my players to celebrate with the away fans.

“I have told Jack that he will keep the shirt if he scores and he scored. He has put the pressure on the manager by scoring, so I am happy for him that he scored.

“The supporters will be a big help for us if he 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. At the moment there is a great togetherness within the squad and it was great for me to see them celebrate with the supporters.”