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.
13. Marc Roca - 6
Added physicality and pressure in the middle that made life harder for Newcastle (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
14. Rasmus Kristensen - 5
Had the horrible task of taking on Allan Saint-Maximin and was left for dust a few times. Made a couple of important intervention (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images) Photo: Eddie Keogh
15. Crysencio Summerville - 6
Was poised to scamper after anything loose but it was more of a defensive job he did, stuck to it well. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) Photo: Marc Atkins
16. Joe Gelhardt - N/A
Couldn't really impose himself against a big, strong and organised defence. One shot from a free-kick, into the wall. (Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images) Photo: Ashley Allen
17. Simon Hooper - 6
A little fussy at times, missed one or two things but rightly ignored a few 'hopeful' penalty claims (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Photo: Stu Forster