A frustrating end to a topsy turvy game at Elland Road, where Leeds equalised to deny Newcastle what would’ve been a massive win.
After conceding early and Nick Pope’s penalty save keeping it at 1-0, two Callum Wilson penalties either side of the break sent us 2-1 up, but a deflected effort from Rasmus Kristensen handed Big Sam’s Leeds a precious point.
The point could be a precious one, despite the post-match disappointment. Win two of our last three games and a top-four finish will be ours. However, we’ll have to play much better than that to see off Brighton next Thursday. The game was there for us to win, but we couldn’t see it out, conceded two cheap goals and failed to hurt a fragile Leeds defence.
The result means Liverpool will move one point behind us should they win at Leicester on Monday, while Man Utd would join us on 66 points if they see off Wolves in today’s 3pm kick-off.
Howe stuck by most of the side that lost last weekend, with the only change seeing Miguel Almiron replace Jacob Murphy down our right.
The first half featured a rollercoaster of emotions. We started pretty well with plenty of possession, then disaster struck; an early goal for Leeds which lifted the roof of Elland Road. It was poor defending all round. Trippier didn’t do enough to stop the cross, Burn switched off for Rodrigo’s header and Pope parried his effort into the perfect place for Ayling, who tapped in from close range.
Almiron was offering so little, our front three looked disjointed, Bruno’s passing range was way off his brilliant best and Burn looked all at sea. The first goal was always going to be huge and our response to it was weak, as we rarely threatened aside from two tame efforts from Wilson and Miggy. Leeds kept throwing away possession but we rarely capitalised.
A bad start almost got worse as a clumsy foul from Joelinton brought Junior Firpo down in the box. A stone wall penalty and chance for Leeds to make it two. Thankfully, Bamford’s penalty was poor and Pope pulled off what felt like one of the biggest saves of our season. A huge let off and a second chance at a game that threatened to get away from us.
Just two minutes later, it was our turn to be handed a spot kick, as Wober brought down Isak. Wilson stepped up and made no mistake, firing into the bottom corner to draw us level. A crazy few minutes. Suddenly the momentum was with us in a game we threatened to throw away. We had to be better in the second half, but that late swing felt massive, handing us all of the momentum and deflating a previously bouncing home crowd.
Willock had drifted out to the left and Isak was adopting more of a free role behind Wilson. This added an air of unpredictability to our attacks, giving Almiron support down the right – where Isak would often drift – and Willock a chance to run at Ayling.
Leeds weren’t lying down or shutting shop to protect their point just yet, but The game was so scrappy, with neither side able to assert their dominance on the game. Bruno went into the book for a dive but was on the end of a dangerous challenge moments later from Junior Firpo; who was only booked despite a VAR check.
VAR was involved again moments later, as Firpo’s crazy handball was caught by the video officials from Willock’s cross. Isak was convinced the replays were damning. Another penalty given – the THIRD of the game – and our ice cool No 9 did not disappointing, firing high into the net past Robles to make it 2-1 with his 17th goal of the season!
Brilliant celebrations followed in the South Yorkshire sunshine, but we weren’t ahead long. Soon after a double change that saw Saint-Maximin and Gordon replace Almiron and Wilson, a deflected effort from Kristensen flew past Pope after we failed to clear a Leeds corner.
A big slice of luck after Trippier’s touch left Pope wrong footed, but another bad goal to concede and such a poor reaction to taking the lead. 2-2.
10 minutes remained and it suddenly felt like we were holding on. We looked rattled and were giving away silly free-kicks; one of which almost allowed Bamford to head in from a wicked delivery.
Elliot Anderson came on for the final five minutes, replacing Willock on the left side of our midfield three and immediately told Saint-Maximin to ‘follow his man’ when Leeds get forward. A chance to win it in added time then came as Gordon was brought down – resulting in a second yellow for Firpo – but Trippier’s free-kick struck the wall and Leeds saw out a draw.
Two more wins needed. Three games to go. HWTL.
STARTING XI: Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Joelinton, Guimaraes, Willock – Almiron, Wilson, Isak.
SUBS: Dubravka, Dummett, Gordon, Saint-Maximin, Lewis, Targett, Manquillo, Murphy, Anderson.
I know you say threw away 2 points because we were 2-1 up – but I’d argue we were gifted a point in all honestly.
Not sure we done nearly enough for 3 points today.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Another awful slow start for us, If Bamford buries the penalty we are finished.
We have lost the solidity at the back that we showed early in the season and are very complacent at the back.
Let’s be honest we deserved nothing out of this game against an awful Leeds side who were there for the taking.
We need to win our next two home games and on this showing can’t see us getting the points.
Brighton despite their midweek calamity are a very good team and will keep the ball well so we need the SJP crowd to carry us over the line.
Leicester game anything could happen, and don’t fancy us at Stamford Bridge.
Hope Liverpool slip up fingers crossed.
Joseph(Quote)
Draw was a fair result as Newcastle just couldn’t get control of the game for a decent period constantly allowing Leeds hope, who took advantage of that.
Two real disappointing things for me today i) newcastle looked the best team going into half time and didn’t continue that 2nd half
ii) Newcastle were unable to impose themselves on Leeds and that’s been a Newcastle strength most of the season
So yes a rollercoaster today that sees Newcastle remain 3rd tonight and two wins from 3 needed. Tough ask but this is what’s needed to compete with the big boys
GoWest(Quote)
Poor day at the office today! Makes things more challenging for Thursday. No issues with any of the decisions today although the ref needed to show a card or two in the first half. Also think Firpo should’ve been off for the earlier challenge on Bruno. And then again for handball. 🤷🏻♂️. Still in our hands though.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
As I said on last thread,game was over a 100 min but ball was only in play 43 min shocking really Longstaff a big miss in m/f plus Bruno right off his game and Lingo very poor,have we run out of steam??
Icedog(Quote)
That’s what it looks like to me, a very poor, tired performance. Only 3 or 4 players did OK with the rest off the pace all game. How many times did we attempt to dribble into a crowded penalty area? It’s a disgrace that none our big guys have scored all season!
Could be we’ve run our race. Maybe 5 points will do it.
georgio(Quote)
So Saints are relegated! Spurs lost and can no longer reach us. Brighton could still overtake us though as they have 5 games still to play. As long as we beat them on Thursday we cannot finish lower than 5th.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
It shocks me that like Burn and Botman have never scored from a corner or free kick 6’4 ect and cannot get on the end of a free kick/ corner what the hell is Howe thinking of on that stat
Icedog(Quote)
We’ve had 249 corners this season – that’s the most of all the clubs in the league this season. I think Man City is next with about 10 less, then Arsenal 3rd with about 50 fewer.
249 corners – we should be scoring at least 10% of those but we’ll be nowhere near that!!.
That’s just corners – I bet we aren’t much better from freekicks either.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’d go raiding Saints.
I think JWP would be a good signing – similar midfielder to Longstaff, and we know what he can do with a set piece.
I’d take Walker Peters as well. He’s a solid full back on either side & would be perfect for the squad.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Only if we finish 5th
PremAndUp(Quote)
Overall it was very disappointing.
I do have a gripe with management though – thought our player and tactics decisions were all wrong e.g. Joelinton cannot play the Longstaff position.
Also when you spend £40m in January it should be a player who is going to make a difference in the second half of the season, even in just a few of the games. £40m FFS!
I’ve heard Gordon just can’t get fit. He’s underconfident and seems to lack intensity and belief. Everyone knows I’m not a Murphy fan but the lad is twice the player Gordon is. £40m.
georgio(Quote)
Yeah Gordon has been a bit of a let down , lets see what Eddie can do with him in pre season.
kimtoon(Quote)
Georgio – I agree our midfield was disjointed yesterday and Big Joe & Bruno weren’t as commanding as they have been – but with the options Howe had I’m not sure what else he could have done really?!.
My gripe was dropping Murphy for Miggy. I know you aren’t a Murphy fan, but the lad hasn’t put a foot wrong & is far more of a threat on the right than Miggy imo.
I also don’t like that he’s given in to pressure to start Wilson & Isak together – I’m not convinced that works as well from the start. Maybe with 20-30mins to play.
On Gordon – I agree with what you’re saying.
He always looks like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. I know he’s had his troubles with driving offences & talk of possible jail time. Whether that’s on his mind or something else in his personal life – you just never know.
I do think if Howe can get an arm round him & get him focusing on his football there is definitely a very good footballer there – but I feel like the lad himself needs to buy in as well. He’s still only 22 so maybe a good pre season – and get him off social media could make a big difference.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Longstaff missing unbalances the whole team from Trippier to Miggy, Bruno and Joelinton, even Willock too. Not to mention the back four. The fact that there is no obvious understudy is undoubtedly a management mistake. Shelvey wasn’t an option but you would have thought one of the younguns could have filled in . . . maybe
georgio(Quote)
Imagine if at the start or more realistically even halfway through the season fans had realised just how critical longstaff is to Newcastles smooth running. It’s only really now he’s getting the plaudits his contribution deserves and even now folks are suggesting the role he plays is a priority for upgrade .. there are several positions in more need
Wasn’t it Zidane .. who might know a thing or two .. who identified Deschamps as the cornerstone for the outstanding French sides when he coined the “water carrier” role that longstaff plays
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I’m not suggesting Longstaff is deschamps but his improvement and Howe’s nous to stick with him mostly what assures me howe knows what he’s doing with Gordon.
Writing Gordon off already is way too premature. Fwiw I thought Gordon looked ok yesterday in his 20 mins or so. He was controlled as opposed to 100% all the time and progressive.
There were established team players who seem beyond criticism that were less impactfuI yesterday.
I don’t buy the “he cost £40m he should be ready” point I’m afraid. Transfer fees are much less meaningful in todays PL than they have been in the past and especially so in Howe’s vision which is a year in to 5 years.
Howe sees him as future starter in the team and he ( Howe) hasn’t done much to make us think he won’t be right
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Go West/Georgio – I’m certainly one who’s been critical of Longstaff & still am as an individual player – but at the same time can acknowledge and see how important he is in the team & in how Howe has us play.
https://www.premierleague.com/players/14897/Sean-Longstaff/stats
But I don’t think I’m wrong about him as an individual when you look at his stats. His shot accuracy is poor, his crossing is poor, his tackling is poor – he loses more duels than he wins.
On paper it really isn’t great. But put him in a midfield with Bruno & Willock and they compliment each other 🤷🏼♂️.
A midfielder we have been linked with for the summer and 1 I think plays in a similar way to Sean is Scott McTominay – who I know a lot of fans are dead against. But if you look at his stats they are remarkably similar:
https://www.premierleague.com/players/14824/Scott-McTominay/stats
McToms shooting is better, he makes more recoveries & wins more duels but I can see why he’s being considered if they are looking at competition for that role Sean plays.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well today was the day Arsenal threw the league away. They choked badly against Brighton today who were brilliant.
It looked like Arsenal were still dining out on their win against us.
Annoyingly Brighton winning today does us no favours at all 😡
Sharpy17(Quote)
I hope we get the Brighton team that were beat 5-1 by Everton, rather than the Brighton that thrashed Arsenal. Big game for us on Thursday.
That said, it’s still amazing that now, a big game for us is to get champions league football, rather than a big game for survival in the premiership
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Well said on Gordon GoWest! I kinda agree with you as well as being disappointed with him.
On Longstaff, he’s not that talented. I do like him but especially against Arsenal, anybody would have done, we were leaving such large holes in central midfield. Joelinton is a left sided player and is lost on the right.
georgio(Quote)
I’m all over the place on the Brighton game. We could blow them away or they could outplay us. I can see Caceido taking the ball off Bruno all game. Incidentally who was the Leeds player that clattered him on Saturday? Hit him hard and early – Alladyce mantra.
georgio(Quote)
Is everyone a Leicester fan for one night only?
StanHardy(Quote)
Well Leicester were terrible last night. I think they are down after that performance and could be confirmed as relegated when we play them.
We can still win our last three games. I don’t see Liverpool losing again now so if we want CL, then we must win.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Yeah, must win games as Pool won’t lose any. Brighton also have a game in hand too.
kimtoon(Quote)
Interesting and tense few games coming up. Pool have to go to Villa which is never easy but could score 6 at Saints.
georgio(Quote)
I think Villa beat Liverpool mind – at least draw. That’s no nailed on win for the dippers that one.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I like the links with Gallagher & Maddison mind 👌🏻.
Gallagher is Longstaff type midfielder & Maddison is a very tidy footballer – 2 very good signings if we can get them.
Sharpy17(Quote)
There’s something about Maddison I don’t like and I don’t want to see a Toon team with two of those in it.
georgio(Quote)
This next game will be very hard as I said before I think we have run out of steam with injury’s ect
Icedog(Quote)
A defeat against a very good and motivated arsenal side that nufc largely matched but had less guile than and a draw against Leeds after a run of 8 wins from 9games doesn’t feel on paper like Newcastle are struggling.
That said Newcastle don’t convince me they’re in control.
I saw Newcastle described as funky and that’s a good choice of words as I’m just not sure what to expect from game to game
Arsenal seemed a bit unlucky early on against Brighton and Brighton were clinical when it mattered .. sort of what arsenal did at SJP.
If Newcastle come out quick on Thursday they really need to take chances. If it goes into 2nd half level Newcastle may well tighten up.
And if it feels pressured now it’s going to be really squeaky if Newcastle need two wins from two
it’s abeen an outstanding season so this should be fun .. anyone feeling joyful🤣🤣🤣
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Yes, a win on Thursday is a powerful statement and a big step towards CL.
I don’t think a draw is a disaster. Don’t want to lose.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Is a draw any different from a points perspective than a loss??
Draw or lose on Thursday and two wins required from last two games to assure CL.
Admittedly a draw won’t ‘feel’ as disappointing as a loss
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Poor scum got knocked out of play offs lol
Icedog(Quote)
Good
kimtoon(Quote)
These days between the Leeds draw & the Brighton game are huge for Howe and the coaching staff in terms of preparing the players – both physically & mentally.
They have to get the balance right between allowing the players to rest but be ready to go game night.
These next 3 games are arguably as big as the cup final – certainly 2 of them are (in terms of points required). But we didn’t do great in that cup final – mentality it felt we weren’t on it.
Howe has to make sure the players are on it – and how he does that is all about how well he knows his players.
Howe has done brilliant since coming in, but these next 3 games – this week & a half will determine how good he is.
It’s harsh but it’s true – in the same way Arteta will be judged for Arsenal not winning the league, how Pep will be judged if they don’t make it passed Madrid tonight.
There was a lot of questions about whether Howe was the man to lead us through this new era – now I’m certainly not doubting he’s had a brilliant impact on the resurgence of our football club – but to miss out on a cup final & CL football would no doubt raise those questions again.
Sharpy17(Quote)
No denying it’s a big week. It’s also the first time Howe and his team have been in this situation. So like the players they’re learning
Judged by the 5h1t stirrers in the media perhaps
Remember the start of the season .. we dreamed of a cup run and comfortable top half finish. Well, here we are one Wembley trip later after twenty years of waiting and going for CL for the first time in 20 years with 3 games left. That’s year 1.
To judge Howe’s performance it needs to be done against targets this season, the long term vision and how far beyond expectations the club already are. It also needs to be balanced against some of the business as opposed to football decisions made. Also need to consider what impact changing Howe will have on this group of players who have done so well
Then it’s about what the club see as next steps and what the hierarchy are planning
So I’m going to disagree I’m afraid, it’s been a brilliant season, full stop, exclamation mark 😁😁That holds, irrespective of outcomes this week.
This is Year 1 of a long term plan and Howe needs to be in charge next season. Adjust the plan and go again to see what his next improvements are
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Take a look at some sensible points imo from nufc.com esp the last two parts of the match report from Leeds
https://www.nufc.com/2022-23html/2023-05-13leeds-a.html
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
So Howe says they are trying to take the pressure off the players & encourage them to enjoy their football.
That’s great to hear coz they will definitely play their best football that way.
They have to block out the external noises and know that what they have achieved already is seen by the fans as a huge success – already they are appreciated & adored for bringing back the good times to SJP.
But for their own satisfaction & reward this season it would be great to get top 4 – just go and play boys & enjoy it 🙏🏻🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
City smashed Real tonight – different class really.
But the story of the night – we will play either Coventry or Luton in the PL next season … still just the 1 club in the North East 🤷🏼♂️😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
Lovely post sharpy👌 👊
And boy, did Man City do the business tonight
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Go West – City play Chelsea at the weekend with a win likely giving them the PL title – I would not want to be Chelsea 😂.
I think Pep will send them out saying win the league & we can rest up for the CL and FA Cup final.
Im not saying he will write off Brighton & Brentford but a few fringe players might find they get a run out.
Sharpy17(Quote)
It did make me laugh listening to the commentators – Steve Mc in particular in one breath calling RM the team of the Century, then in the next breath saying they were 11 individually brilliant players who don’t play as a team.
Madrid are a remarkable team – City were just different class last night.
One player who doesn’t get mentioned enough for them is Akanji – he’s been their best defender this season by far & that’s not an easy team to go and be a defender in either.
Have to be honest – I watched that game & thought we are a long way off Europes elite.
I know they have spend so much more than us & in City’s case are about 15 seasons ahead of us but still – there’s a long road ahead, regardless how well we’ve done this season.
Sharpy17(Quote)