Newcastle United got what they deserved at Coventry after failing to take a host of goalscoring chances, falling to a second successive 4-1 Premier League away defeat.
Coventry City had not taken a point or even scored at home but notched four goals from only six shots on target. They had lost four of their first five league fixtures yet still beat United 4-1.
Wasteful in front of goal
Newcastle dominated much of the play but were dreadfully wasteful in front of goal and defended poorly. United paid a huge price for being generous at the start of both halves. Lukas Hornicek conceded a shocking penalty after just five minutes when a simple save saw the ball bounce off his knee and his attempted recovery led to a stonewall spot kick.
Within three minutes of the restart, teenage debutant Sidiki Cherif showed his Premier League opposition how to finish with a clinical effort United's front men never matched.
Mixed start to the season
Two shocking away performances have left United with an overall record of two wins, two draws and two defeats, when victory at Coventry could have taken them fourth top. The Sky Blues are nowhere near as good as Leeds but still inflicted another four-goal defeat on the Magpies.
Nineteen shots produced one goal from a central defender. Matthias Jaissle has work to do at the back where the side is shockingly open and up top where goalscoring opportunities cannot be accepted.
Returning players and next test
Joelinton, Will Osula and Dan Burn may be coming back, but they did not announce their impending return to the starting line-up with any reassurance. Big Joe was booked and gave the ball away badly for Coventry's third goal, while Osula blazed a good late chance over the bar.
Next up is Aston Villa at home on Saturday tea time. They have not started well, but confidence will be in short supply. Geordies have been ready to cut Jaissle and United some slack, but some of the new signings need to step up and experienced performers need to lend a hand.
