Goals just aren’t coming for Gayle
This could have been a much more comfortable victory had Gayle converted just one of the four presentable chances he squandered in the first half, including one half-volley attempt that he slashed over the crossbar and into the Gallowgate from a few yards out.
Gayle’s profligacy caused an unnecessary fraught tension to set in as time ticked by until Perez scored in the 80th minute to ease a growing anxiety that threatened to engulf each of 52,261 fans inside St James’ Park.
On the one hand, it is a positive that Gayle continues to get himself into goalscoring positions, but given the position Newcastle are in the 28-year-old has to start taking some of those chances if he is to avoid becoming a detriment to the team, especially with Islam Slimani now back from injury.
Last season Gayle scored goals in the Championship without even thinking, hitting 23 in total, but only has five this term and has scored just twice in 2018. His struggle to find the net against Huddersfield is contrasted by goals against Manchester United, Chelsea and Leicester’s title winning defence this season, hinting at a striker lacking confidence.
Benitez, however, isn’t the sentimental type and his loyalty to Gayle will be severely tested after Newcastle play the Foxes next Saturday. Gayle will be assured of his place with Slimani unable to feature against his parent club, but the Algerian striker will be pressing hard for a start when Arsenal come to Tyneside in two weeks time.
