Newcastle and Leeds played out a 1-1 draw in a frantic game at St. James’ Park.
There were 8 shots on target in the first half alone, the most at that stage in any game this season.
Leeds took the lead in the 13th minute when Raphina’s cross travelled all the way into the far corner, Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow wrongfooted by Rodrigo’s run across him.
Marco Bielsa’s men were unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty ten minutes later when Joe Willock appeared to trip new signing Dan James, referee Mike Dean adjudging it as a coming together and allowing play to continue.
Newcastle, who had been outplayed up to that point, wasted a great chance to equalise a minute later when Allan Saint-Maximin crossed to Joelinton, the Brazilian only able to fire straight at goalkeeper Illan Meslier. It was a sign of things to come, though, Saint-Maximin lifting the crowd by breezing past defender Liam Cooper in the build up to that chance.
Thereafter, it was end-to-end stuff for the rest of the first half, Rodrigo and Kalvin Phillips both firing wide for Leeds before Matt Ritchie hit the post for Newcastle after more good work by Saint-Maximin.
The Magpies did then find an equaliser in the 44th minute. Once again it was Saint-Maximin, the Frenchman showing great composure inside the penalty area before firing across Meslier.
It was no more than he deserved for a brilliant performance, the 24-year-old lighting up the game by running at the Leeds defence whenever he got the ball.
The Yorkshire club had a golden chance to restore their lead before the first half had ended, Raphina having his effort blocked before Junior Firpo shot over when the goal was at his mercy after a great counter-attack.
The second half was not as frantic, but still produced moments of quality and drama.
Nine minutes after half-time Darlow, who replaced the injured Freddie Woodman, was at full stretch to prevent Jamaal Lascelles from heading into his own goal.
Meslier then denied Saint-Maximin, diving to his right to keep out the winger’s powerful effort.
Bamford should have scored in the 72nd minute when played through by Rodrigo, but the England international lost his footing as he fired tamely at Darlow.
Meslier denied St. Maximin again 11 minutes later, the Frenchman capitalising on Luke Ayling’s mistake but firing straight at his compatriot.
That was the last big chance of the game as both teams settled for a point.
It means that Steve Bruce’s men stay in the relegation zone but above Burnley into 18th having picked up two points from their opening five games.
Leeds, like Newcastle, are also still winless, but move above Arsenal into 16th.
Featured image by Steven Lek – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0; no changes made.
