Leeds 5-2 Newcastle: final goals see Magpies on Elland Road

A dominant Leeds scored three goals in the final against Newcastle and clinched their second Premier League victory in seven games.

Newcastle adopted their usual counterattack tactic during the match, but in the search for a draw they were twice given a taste of their own medicine when Ezgjan Alioski fired from substitute Pablo Hernandez’s pass after a quick break before Jack Harrison hit home a brilliant fifth on the 25-yard dash.

Newcastle took the lead as Jeff Hendrick converted from close range before a Patrick Bamford header leveled things out. Rodrigo’s brilliant crouched header gave the hosts the lead, but Newcastle responded with a header from Ciaran Clark.

However, unlike many recent games, the valiant efforts of Marcelo Bielsa’s team were rewarded with the late flurry of goals, and the victory places them at 13th place, tied on 17 points with Newcastle at 14th.

Leeds awarded for domination

Despite only one win in six and knowing that his attack was met with strong defense, coach Bielsa said before the contest that he had no reason to switch to the XI who lost 2-1 to West Ham at the weekend.

And why would I do it? When it comes to spending energy and effort, the promoted side has yet to disappoint their commander-in-chief: the main negatives have been turning their dominance into goals and conceding from set pieces.

For much of the game, it seemed like history would repeat itself. Having given the magpies defense a thorough workout, they were level with time running. Fortunately for them, their fitness levels are above the league’s best, as well as their concentration levels, unlike Sean Longstaff, who was robbed in the area seconds before Dallas led the home team back to head.

That changed Newcastle’s focus, and Leeds ruthlessly took advantage. Harrison, whose superb control and peach from a center led to Rodrigo’s goal, provided the icing on a very palatable cake when he let fly from 25 yards to seal a well-deserved victory.

The penalty decision does not favor Newcastle

Newcastle have this uncanny ability to look beaten but still barely achieving results, ask Wolves, Everton and Tottenham.

Despite conceding 71% of possession, they were in the contest with 14 minutes to go at 2-2. And perhaps Steve Bruce’s team could have been defending three points instead of one point if referee Simon Hooper and his VAR team had deemed Liam Cooper’s foul on Callum Wilson illegal in the area early in the second half, with the score 1-1.

But alas, there was no penalty and, despite equalizing through Clark, a succession of mistakes and increased willingness from Leeds resulted in this late capitulation.

Bruce’s drug rope tactics have worked with success this season, but this wasn’t one of those times.

Whats Next?

Newcastle host Fulham on Saturday (20:00 GMT) and Leeds host Manchester United on Sunday (16:30) for the expected clash between the fierce rivals.