Newcastle United 1 Leeds United 2: Whites survive Magpies fightback in return to winning ways

Leeds took a 17th-minute through the excellent Raphinha but Newcastle equalised through Miguel Almiron 12 minutes after the break.

A fine finish from Jack Harrison fired the Whites back in front four minutes later but the Magpies then wasted several chances to at least level and Leeds were left grateful to some strong saves from Illan Meslier.

Leeds were dealt an early blow when Diego Llorente went down pointing to his hamstring on what was his full Whites debut after a series of injuries since signing in the summer.

His night was done and Pascal Struijk was brought in his place after just ten minutes.

Leeds then wasted a fine chance when Jack Harrison could only slice the ball at the far post from a Stuart Dallas cross.

Yet the visitors went ahead in the 17th minute when a flowing move was finished with a neat shot from Raphinha who had been set up by Rodrigo's pull back in the box.

Newcastle looked to respond and Jamaal Lascelles headed wide from a corner.

A Ryan Fraser cross then sailed just wide before Fraser smashed a powerful volley over the bar from just inside the box as Leeds failed to deal with a cross from the right.

Meslier then survived when dropping a ball from a corner, after which Leeds countered with a move that ended with Raphina thumping the post from a tight angle.

Raphinha then powered another drive just wide but Newcastle were having a go and Murphy blasted wide from the edge of the box just before half-time.

Leeds had the ball in the net three minutes after the restart but Stuart Dallas' diving finish had come off his hand before crossing the line and was consequently disallowed.

But Newcastle soon began to threaten and after Jamal Lascelles had sent a free header wide the Magpies equalised in the 57th minute with a neat finish from Almiron after Leeds were cut open through the middle.

A beautiful finish with the outside of his foot from Harrison then fired the Whites back ahead four minutes later but the Magpies then went very close to equalising as Jamal Lewis blasted a fine chance over before a Lascelles header clipped the crossbar.

Meslier then produced a fine save to tip a free header from Jonjo Shelvey over the bar and the Frenchman again saved the day when keeping out a drive from Fabian Schar soon after.

But Leeds held on to record their first win of 2021 as Newcastle's dismal run of results continued despite a much improved showing.

Newcastle United: Darlow, Murphy (Saint-Maximin 64), Hayden, Lascelles, Schar, Lewis, Shelvey, Hendrick, Almiron, Fraser (Gayle 77), Wilson. Subs not used: Dubravka, Krafth, Manquillo, Longstaff, Ritchie, Joelinton, Carroll.

Leeds United: Meslier, Alioski (Klich 56), Cooper, Llorente (Struijk 10), Ayling, Phillips, Dallas, Raphinha, Harrison, Rodrigo, Bamford (Roberts 60). Subs not used: Casilla, Davis, Shackleton, Costa, Hernandez, Poveda.

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/yorkshire-evening-post-launch-leeds-united-only-digital-subscription-ahead-premier-league-campaign-2967964

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Thank you Laura Collins