Huddersfield Town, under David Wagner, earned a promotion last season beating Japp Stam’s Reading dramatically in the playoff final. The Premier League new boys started their top-tier journey with a surprise victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and were all set to host Newcastle United at Kirklees Stadium this afternoon. Newcastle, on the other hand, won the Championship title under Rafael Benitez and returned to Premier League with high expectations.
Although they suffered a home defeat last weekend against mighty Spurs, the former Liverpool gaffer was determined to snatch their first win of the new campaign this afternoon. But, the minnows Huddersfield surprised everyone once more as they grabbed an edgy 1-0 victory in the battle of two newly promoted outfits.
Below are the Huddersfield Town players rated from the fixture.
Jonas Lossl: 8
The FSV Mainz 05 loanee earns another clean-sheet and pulled off a few decent saves to protect the lead. Struggled with his outing on a few occasions, but the custodian was excellent otherwise and impressed once again between the sticks.
Tom Smith: 7
Mostly concentrated on his defensive duties and did well to contain the dynamic Christian Atsu.
Mathias Jorgensen: 7.5
The Danish international pulled off a few crucial blocks and clearances. Did not let Dwight Gayle and Ayoze Perez combine up-front.
Christopher Schindler: 8.5
Was outstanding in the heart of the central defence. Blocked a few efforts, pulled off some crucial tackles, clearances, and interceptions. Used his physicality to win duels.
Chris Lowe: 7.5
Worked hard down the left-hand flank. Defended well, linked up with Van La Parra and whipped in a few crosses.
Aaron Mooy: 8.5
Was excellent in the middle of the park. Switched the game to both the flanks, worked hard to win possession and scored a spectacular goal to clinch all three points.
Philip Billing: 7.5
Combatted well in midfield. Screened his back-line, did well to break Newcastle’s movements in the middle of the park.
Elias Kachunga: 7.5
Worked tirelessly down the right-hand flank. Helped his defence and assisted Mooy to find the back of the net. Was replaced by Kasey Palmer in the second half.
Thoms Ince: 6.5
He started the game behind Mounie. Impressed with his positioning. Linked up well with fellow attackers. Needs to improve his shooting skills. Was replaced by Michael Hefele in closing minutes.
Rajiv Van La Parra: 6.5
Impressed early into the game as he kept on troubling Newcastle right-back Javier Manquillo with his runs and dribbling skills. Faded off gradually and was replaced by Collin Quaner in the second half.
Steve Mounie: 6.5
Mounie impressed with his positioning and kept the pressure on the Magpies defence. Although he scored twice last week, the Benin international could not find the back of the net this afternoon.
Substitutes
Collin Quaner: 6
Did not make any noteworthy contribution in attack, but helped his team to retain possession and grab a victory.
Kasey Palmer: 5.5
Came in place of Elias Kachunga. Was clumsy while tackling, however, helped his side to hold the lead.
Michael Hefele: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
