Garry Monk’s Leeds have managed to get back to winning ways following their 3-0 home victory over Preston North End after two consecutive away defeats against Reading and Brentford that have pushed them back a little in order to secure a top six finish. They were 5th in the Championship table prior to their tricky away fixture against second-placed Newcastle United who have almost secured an automatic promotion alongside league leaders Brighton. However, a late Chris Wood goal snatched a routine victory away from Rafa’s men and they had to settle in for a 1-1 draw at St. James’ Park.
Leeds United Players RATED And SLATED From Their Dramatic Draw Vs Newcastle United
Robert Green: 7
Another impressive outing for the veteran Englishman who pulled off a number of crucial saves throughout the game. Used his experience to make key interceptions and clearances. Could have done little to deny Jamaal Lascelles’ nod over the line.
Luke Ayling: 5
Did not offer much from attacking point of view as he usually does. Restricted himself mostly in defensive duties and had limited forward runs down the right-hand flank. Was lucky not to concede a penalty inside second half after bringing down Mbemba inside the box.
Kyle Bartley: 5.5
Was often troubled by Mitrovic’s physical and aerial dominance. Made a few crucial clearances and blocks. Struggled against set-pieces.
Pontus Jansson: 7
The Swedish international recovered well from an early head injury and pulled off a few crucial blocks to deny Magpies’ goal-bound threats. He arguably could have had the moment of the game when he headed away Mitrovic’s flick over Green quite magnificently minutes before Newcastle’s opener.
Gaetano Berardi: 5
Berardi had an imposing first half as he combined well with Pedraza down the left-hand flank and also looked after his defensive commitments. But he had a contrasting second half as he struggled against Matt Ritchie, Ayoze Perez and also Aleksander Mitrovic who kept on creating threats in Leeds’ backline. Was taken off to be replaced by Charlie Taylor towards the end.
Liam Bridcutt: 4.5
Bridcutt tried to win the balls in the middle of the park in order to take control over the game. But his efforts went in vain, especially in the second half, as the Magpies were all over the pitch. Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden had full control of the midfield and Bridcutt was taken off to be replaced by Doukara. Monk switched to his plan B in final minutes in search of an equaliser.
Kalvin Phillips: 5.5
Was reckless and found it hard to resist Hayden’s powerful runs. Tried hard in a combative role, but came out second best on most occasions.
Kemar Roofe: 5
He came close to snatch an early lead, but his header was denied by a follow-up off the line clearance from Newcastle keeper Karl Darlow. Had a few good runs down the right-hand flank and was brought down by Jack Colback in stoppage time as he was breaking into the Newcastle half. The resulted free-kick brought the late equaliser.
Pablo Hernandez: 5.5
Hernandez tried to link up with fellow attackers and switch the game using the flanks. Lacked support from central midfield.
Alfonso Pedraza: 5.5
Pedraza was unlucky to be denied by the crossbar within ten minutes into the game and often troubled the Magpies’ defensive unit down the left-hand flank. Had a quiet second half and was eventually replaced by Hadi Sacko.
Chris Wood: 6
Championship’s top scorer was well contained by Newcastle back-line as he could not offer much in front of goal. Lacked service from the midfield as well as fellow attackers. But he needed one single opportunity to show his worth and the talisman did it in closing moments finding a late equaliser.
Substitutes:
Hadi Sacko: 5.5
Came in place of Pedraza. Added extra pace up front and linked up well with fellow attackers.
Souleymane Doukara: 5.5
Added much-needed physicality that helped Wood to find space in order to secure a dramatic draw.
Charlie Taylor: 6
A smart move by Garry Monk by bringing in the youngster in place of worn out Berardi. He troubled the Magpies’ backline with his pace and crosses right at the end.
