Raphinha scored a sensational goal to take the lead for Leeds United, before Allan Saint-Maximin struck the equalizer on the stroke of halftime.
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Raphinha scored a sensational goal to take the lead for Leeds United at St. James’ Park before Allan Saint-Maximin struck the equalizer on the stroke of halftime. It was a thrilling end-to-end Friday night encounter as both teams registered a combined 38 attempts. However, they couldn’t find the elusive winner that would have given them the first league win of the season. Meanwhile, the draw doesn’t do any good to the Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce with confronting increased hostility at the full-time whistle.
Leeds started the match positively and straight away pressurized the Newcastle defence. Matt Richie was booked for hauling Raphinha down. An early yellow card for the Newcastle left-back meant that he needed to be cautious for the rest of the match while handling right-winger Raphinha, to avoid a second yellow. In the 13th minute, Raphinha’s attempted in-swinging cross dipped and curved into the far corner of the Leeds goal. Rodrigo played a vital role in the goal as he instead of receiving the ball, dummied and left the ball as it went past the wrong-footed Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
In response, at the other end, Miguel Almiron dragged a shot inches past the post. Saint-Maximin was having an impressive game as the Leeds defence was struggling to handle his pace and trickery. The Frenchman’s superb forward run and cross created an opportunity for Joelinton but the Leeds custodian Meslier made a superb save to deny the equalizer.
Just when it looked like the home side was gaining momentum, Leeds hit back with two chances before the half-hour mark. Rodrigo and Kalvin Phillips’ shots from the edge of the box missed the target by inches. Meanwhile, Newcastle left-back Matt Richie’s shot from outside the box struck the post before Saint-Maximin equalized. The 24-year-old collected the ball from Joelinton and moved inside the area before smashing the ball past bodies and Meslier and into the goal.
Few moments later, in stoppage time, Leeds could have regained the lead, but Raphinha and Junior Firpo missed glorious chances. Initially, Raphinha’s delayed attempt allowed the Newcastle defence to pile bodies on the line before Firpo ballooned his shot from close range.
After the break, Daniel James, who was making his first Leeds start since joining from Manchester United swept a volley wide of the Newcastle goal before Darlow produced a fingertip save to deny an own goal by Jamaal Lascelles.
Saint-Maximin was running riot at the Leeds defence as he forced a one-handed save out of Meslier at the near post, on the hour-mark. Meslier once again thwarted Saint-Maximin’s late effort to keep the score at 1-1. Both the goalkeepers had a busy night and made some impressive saves to share the points.
After the draw, Newcastle are placed 18th in the points table whereas Leeds are at 16th position.
