Newcastle United's run of three successive wins came to an end on Sunday when Brighton and Hove Albion, another promoted side, beat them by the only goal.
Israel international Tomer Hemed scored in the 51st minute, to move Brighton up four places to 13th.
Rafa Benitez's side, who drop down to joint eighth, had pipped Brighton to the Championship (second tier) title by one point on the final day of last season, having beaten them at home and away.
They had more of the game after bringing on midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, who hit a post directly from a corner, but good chances were hard to come by.