Leeds United held firm to deny Newcastle the opportunity to see out 2022 on a high, by securing a 0-0 draw in the north east on Saturday afternoon. The Whites created little in the hosts’ penalty area but defended their own ferociously, particularly during the second half when torrential conditions and a Newcastle onslaught threatened to rain on the travelling fans’ New Year’s Eve parade.
YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth has scored each of the Leeds players today and given the following verdict.
7. Adam Forshaw - 4
Couldn't get close enough to disrupt the Newcastle midfield, couldn't find men enough when he had the ball (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood
8. Brenden Aaronson - 5
A few lively moments. Looked for free-kicks a bit too much from contact that didn't quite warrant them. . (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Photo: Stu Forster
9. Willy Gnonto - 6
Leeds' most promising attacking threat, again. Tried to get at Newcastle but it was rare. Did the other side of the game too. Annoyed the hosts. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood
10. Jack Harrison - 5
Threatened a couple of times to unlock Newcastle but never managed to produce the final bit of magic. (Picture Bruce Rollinson) Photo: Bruce Rollinson
11. Rodrigo - 5
No real service to speak of yet could have done better with one or two bits of play he happened upon. Ran a lot. (Picture Bruce Rollinson) Photo: Bruce Rollinson
12. Mateusz Klich - 6
Came on and played the nuisance. Put pressure on. Might have had a late chance if Rodrigo had found him. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY