More shots, more possession, more intensity from Marcelo Bielsa’s men but it was not enough for Leeds to beat Newcastle at St James’ Park. Final score 1-1.The Magpies were without their main striker Callum Wilsom and it is quite a problem from Steve Bruce. Since Wilson’s club debut in September 2020, Newcastle have won just 15% of their Premier League games without him playing a part (2/13); this is compared to a 34% win rate when he has featured in the competition for the Magpies (10/29). He was a much needed man tonight also.Leeds wanted those three points more, from what could be seen on the pitch. In the 10th minute, Karl Darlow pulled off a great save to deny Raphinha who made himself some space inside the box and tried with a quick low drive towards the middle of the goal.However, there was nothing Darlow could do two minutes later. Raphinha sent a long cross from distance. No one touched the ball on it’s way towards the net which confused the English goalkeeper.Since his first start for Leeds in the Premier League in November of last season, only four players have scored or assisted more non-penalty goals in the competition than Raphinha (17 – 8 goals, 9 assists).It was the all-present Raphina again in the 20th minute – he collected a rebound and sent an effort towards goal but Darlow pulled a fantastic reflex save to stop the ball going low into the middle of the target.Newcastle threatened Illan Meslier for the first time mid-first half. In the 24th minute, Joelinton took a shot after collecting a sweet pass deep inside the box. If it wasn’t for the young French goalkeeper and his superb save the ball would have probably ended up in the bottom left corner.Leeds kept coming shortly after. Kalvin Phillips connected with a precise cross and hammered the ball goalwards, but it flew just wide of the right post.English referees are their own worst enemies – second yellow card when there wasn’t even the firstAn opportunity for both teams each in the 35th minute – first it was Leeds who were close to doubling their lead. Leeds’ Mateusz Klich was on the receiving end of a precise defence-splitting pass and fired a nice strike from a promising distance towards the bottom left corner. Darlow had a clear sight of it made a comfortable save. Seconds later, a loose pass found Newcastle’s Matt Ritchie. He tried his luck from the edge of the box with a measured shot, but it hit the left post and was cleared to safety.Guests were much closer to scoring their second goal but – in comes Allan Saint-Maximin. Only minutes before the half-time whistle, Joelinton played a pass to the feet of the quick-footed Frenchman. Saint-Maximin hesitated, tried a couple of feints and shot the ball low into the bottom left corner from inside the box.Saint-Maximin has scored in consecutive Premier League matches at St. James’ Park, as many as scored in his first 30 such appearances there.Leeds could have been in front shortly after but Raphinha did not use plenty of time and space he had in front of Darlow. Eventually his late shot was blocked.Leeds came out in the second half fuming – one can just imagine what Bielsa told his team in the locker room. In the 54th minute, new signing from Man Utd Daniel James fashioned a shot from the edge of the box after receiving an accurate pass. Darlow made a stunning save to stop the effort from flying into the roof of the net.Newcastle’s stars at this game were Darlow and Saint-Maximin, expectedly. The winger had another opportunity in the 57th minute when he picked up the rebound inside the penalty area and tried with a good shot to the right side of the goal. Unfortunately for him, Meslier showed how quick his reflexes are and dived superbly to stop his countryman’s effort.##EDITORS_CHOICE##Leeds’ striker Patrick Bamford received a precise pass in the box in the 72nd minute. He shot the ball low towards the middle of the goal, but Darlow showed off his skills again and made a brilliant save to deny him.Leeds’ defence nightmare Saint-Maximin made his way past multiple challenges in the 84th minute, fired from the edge of the box to the middle of the goal, but Meslier was equal to it.Newcastle somehow managed to stay unbeaten and keep at least a point at their stadium. It was more than a descent match to act as an opener to a new round of English top-tier. PREMIER LEAGUE – ROUND 5FridayNewcastle – Leeds 1-1 (1-1)/Saint-Maximin 44′ – Raphinha 13’/Saturday14:30: (1.92) Wolverhampton (3.45) Brentford (4.60)17:00: (3.80) Burnley (3.50) Arsenal (2.10)17:00: (1.25) Liverpool (6.75) Crystal Palace (13.0)17:00: (1.18) Man.City (8.00) Southampton (19.0)17:00: (2.35) Norwich (3.25) Watford (3.40)19:30: (2.55) Aston Villa (3.25) Everton (3.05)Sunday16:00: (4.60) West Ham (3.70) Man.Utd. (1.85)16:00: (2.80) Brighton (2.90) Leicester (3.05)18:30: (5.20) Tottenham (3.60) Chelsea (1.80)
