Leeds United 0-1 Newcastle United
Well who saw that coming? Not me, not the betting odds and not many pundits, but Newcastle stunned everyone with a one goal win at Elland Road.
Premier League: Leeds United vs Newcastle United pitched together the two biggest clubs on the Yorkshire side of the Pennines. There was plenty at stake as the Magpies, one of the two richest clubs on the planet and embroiled in a relegation scrap, were pitched against Leeds who have been making a good job of climbing away from trouble.
But a 75th minute free-kick from Jonjo Shelvey took the points back to Newcastle and it was a nightmare moment for Leeds keeper Illan Meslier who failed to make a regulation stop.
The win took Newcastle to within one point of the safety line while Leeds retain a seven point cushion.
Highlights of the game
The incentive of a three match winning run and daylight between themselves and the relegation scrap inspired Leeds to make a fast start, though the Magpies tried to match them with their high pressing and high energy style. But Leeds do this every week and they had Newcastle on the ropes early on. Martin Dubravka made a brilliant save to deny Daniel James after a smart cut back from Raphinha.
Jack Harrison was simply sensational in Leeds’ 3-2 win over West Ham last week and he stretched the Newcastle defence down the left flank and almost created the opener when his cross was met by Raphinha but the Brazilian’s header was saved by Dubravka.
Newcastle had their best effort of the half, with 30 minutes on the clock, when Shelvey met a half cleared corner with a sweet shot which flew towards the bottom corner and Meslier got down well to save. But it was Leeds who finished the half strongly with a series of corners, Rodrygo coming close but his effort was deflected wide.
The opening exchanges of the second period were cagey as both team struggled to get a foothold, and Leeds were agonisingly close to taking the lead on 66 minutes when Harrison jinked his way into the penalty area before releasing his shot which was deflected into the path of James, but the winger couldn’t beat Dubravka from point blank range.
And then the shock waves shook Elland Road as the Magpies stole the prize on 75 minutes. Leeds centre back Diego Llorente fouled Manquillo on the left edge of the penalty area and was booked for his troubles as Meslier lined his wall up. Shelvey’s shot was on target but not particularly fierce and the keeper somehow let it bounce over his arms and into the bottom corner of the net.
The poor stopper will not want to look at the Leeds United vs Newcastle United highlights,that’s for sure, but the Geordie fans and owners will take anything right now.
The Whites were stunned, the Magpies lifted and they went on the front foot in search of a second, Llorente clearing a Ryan Frazer effort off the line, and the tricky Allan Saint-Maximin had a good shout for a penalty.
Leeds threw the kitchen sink at it but there was constant danger as Newcastle tried to catch them on the counter, but Shelvey’s goal proved to be enough to take all three points.
Key statistics
The pre-match Leeds United vs Newcastle United betting odds backed a home win and the Whites should have been ahead before Shelvey’s rather lucky winner which gave Newcastle a first away win of the campaign at the tenth attempt.
But, while the Geordies have been poor this season, they will have arrived at Elland Road with some hope as they have now won eight of their last 12 matches in Leeds.
It was the Whites’ first defeat to a team starting and finishing the day in the relegation zone since 2003, and manager Marcelo Biesla has every right to be frustrated as his side had 63 per cent possession, but made little use of it managing just four shots on target to Newcastle’s three.
What’s next?
We’re heading in to an international break now and here at SBOTOP we’ll be previewing and reporting on all the best action from AFCON and the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
Then the Whites are on the road again with two matches in a week, both winnable games, away to Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa and then they will pitch up to play Everton. The Villains are going well after winning away to Everton on Saturday, a result which means the Toffees slide closer to the relegation scrap.
Newcastle meet the same opponents when Everton head up to St James’ Park on Tuesday 8th February and they will be followed by Villa on Sunday 13th.
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