Leeds United fans on Newcastle 'payback' as unanimous Illan Meslier verdict made

NEIL GREWER

There have been too many times this season where, in my opinion, we have deserved more points from games than we achieved – this was some level of payback.

You’ve got to credit our effort and improved organisation and the result justifies the team selections, but thankfully Newcastle had to use Chris Wood – as he is not the complete striker a top-three team would like to be using week in week out.Ilian Meslier has been excellent in the last two games and he deserves a clean sheet.Before the game I would certainly have taken a 0-0 draw and with other results mostly favourable we end the year in an improved league position. But there is still room for improvement and the next game is massive.

Man of the match: Illan Meslier.

ANDY RHODES

If someone had offered you a point before that game you would absolutely have taken it. It was by no means pretty, but Leeds were resolute and got a point where few teams have this season.

United are in another situation where substance matters more than style and, although they were living life on the edge at times on Saturday, they stayed strong when they have previously conceded.Illan Meslier deserves praise once again for making five saves, and dealing with countless crosses into the box. Who knows how many points his saves have earned Leeds over the years.Willy Gnonto looked lively throughout while Brenden Aaronson carried a threat as well. Both players look on the verge of scoring every time they go forward.

Leeds have a big game on Wednesday. Even at this stage of the season the West Ham fixture is a six pointer. It might not be season-defining but defeat would signal that Leeds are in a fight once again.

Man of the match: Illan Meslier.

DAVID WATKINS

We needed a result and we got one. Another battling display where we were clearly the second best of the two sides but this time we avoided hitting the self-destruct button!

Leeds were helped by a Newcastle side that seemed to have no idea where the target was and the usual raucous support of a travelling army of fans eager for some cheer with which to close out the old year.It tells us everything about the game that Illan Meslier was the star of the show – making two excellent second-half saves and looking confident throughout with his handling.Newcastle dominated the possession and goal attempts while the main criticism of Leeds was that we too often gave the ball away cheaply. We created very little and had just one shot on target.We have to come up with more creativity next Wednesday when we entertain West Ham, a team we really must beat if we are to avoid being embroiled in a relegation dogfight.

Man of the match: Illan Meslier.

KEITH INGHAM

The last day of 2022 brought Leeds a point in a 0-0 draw at St James’ Park, something I and others doubted they could do after the 3-1 defeat by Manchester City.

Both teams, on a rain-sodden afternoon, had chances to win the game.

Jesse Marsh, with Tyler Adams back from suspension, made three changes for the game with the American captain joining Adam Forshaw and Marc Roca in midfield. Jack Harrison came in for Sam Greenwood and Luke Ayling replaced Ramus Kristensen at right-back.

Fabian Schär had three chances from corners whilst Rodrigo tested Nick Pope in the second half. As the game went to the end tempers were raised and a few players went in the referee’s notebook.A point at Newcastle has to be seen as a bonus, Leeds seem to raise their game against teams in the top six but it won’t count for much if they can’t get three points against a struggling West Ham United team on Wednesday.

Three points has to be gained from this game at Elland Road.A few mentions for the key performers. Illan Meslier was once again superb and after a below-par performance against City, Liam Cooper was a leader in defence and was well assisted by Ayling, Koch and Struijk.

Man of the match: Illan Meslier.

MIKE GILL

The Soldiers of the Legion of the Rearguard put on a gritty performance to bag an unexpected draw at St James’ Park.

Neither Newcastle nor their fans were expecting anything other than a resounding win and this made it all the more satisfying for Leeds.Kieran Trippier acted out his own version of Groundhog Day as he took a succession of free-kicks which produced nothing but frustration.Epic performances were put in by Ilan Meslier, Robin Koch, Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk.Tyler Adams worked away tirelessly in the midfield and this is what allowed the defence to function efficiently.Willy Gnonto once again made a big contribution before being replaced by Crysencio Summerville whose more subtle skills were not quite as effective in this environment.A game against West Ham is never easy but you have to believe that with the Elland Road faithful urging them on, United can start the new year with three points.

Man of the match: Illan Meslier.