Leeds United beaten at Elland Road
Newcastle United moved above Watford and to within a point of getting out of the Premier League relegation zone on Saturday thanks to their first away win of the season, courtesy of a goal from Jonjo Shelvey.
A largely uneventful first half ended 0-0 with Dubravka saving early on from James being probably the best chance. Newcastle grew into the contest but offered little threat in the first 45 minutes.
The second half continued in a similar pattern with post teams seemingly hesitant to take too many risks but on 75 minutes the match swung the way of the visitors. Manquillo won the Magpies a free-kick on the left-edge of the Leeds penalty area, Shelvey stepped up and Leeds keeper Meslier was unable to prevent the midfielder’s speculative low strike from finding the back of the net. It was from best free-kick that Shelvey has ever struck, and the keeper will surely be disappointed by his failed attempt to keep it out.
With 10 minutes to go a mazy Saint-Maximin run was halted in the box by Koch but Newcastle’s penalty appeals fell on deaf ears. Despite that disappointment Eddie Howe’s men were able to hold onto their one-goal lead without too much of a fright and almost made it 2-0 in stoppage time when Meslier saved from Willock.
The Toon now have a spell without a game, they take on struggling Everton next, on 8th February at St James’ Park.