Leeds United returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion as they defeated Newcastle United 4-1 at Elland Road on Monday to move up to third in the Premier League.
Daniel Farke’s side had made an unbeaten start to their league campaign before suffering a 6-3 defeat to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup. They responded strongly against Newcastle, producing a dominant display that saw them score three times before half-time and add another after the break.
The victory takes Leeds to eight points from their opening four league matches, while Newcastle suffered their first defeat of the Premier League season.
Leeds started the game with plenty of energy and quickly looked to put Newcastle under pressure. Jayden Bogle was one of the hosts’ main outlets on the right and was involved in Leeds’ early attempts to break through the Newcastle defence.
Newcastle had moments of their own, particularly when they found space behind the Leeds defence, but they struggled to maintain possession as the hosts increased the pressure. Nico González was also forced off during the first half after suffering a blow to the head, with Newcastle making a concussion substitution.
Leeds eventually found the breakthrough in the 32nd minute. Ao Tanaka’s effort was deflected, with Lewis Miley getting the final touch as the ball ended up in the Newcastle net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
The goal opened the game up, and Leeds struck again just two minutes later.
Bogle was involved in the build-up after Newcastle lost possession in their own half. James Justin then delivered a cross into the box, where Dominic Calvert-Lewin got the decisive touch. His glancing effort found the net to put Leeds two goals ahead.
Newcastle struggled to deal with Leeds’ pressure and were unable to settle after conceding twice in quick succession.
The visitors had another setback just before the break when Calvert-Lewin added his second of the night. The striker found space behind the Newcastle defence, went past Sven Botman and kept his composure to send a low finish underneath goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček.
Leeds went into half-time 3-0 ahead after a first half in which they had taken full advantage of Newcastle’s defensive mistakes.
Newcastle needed a response after the restart, but Leeds continued to look the more dangerous side.
The hosts came close to adding a fourth when another Newcastle mistake created an opening for Anton Stach, although his effort went into the side netting.
The fourth goal eventually arrived in the 59th minute. Newcastle failed to deal with an Ethan Ampadu long throw, and the loose ball fell to Noah Okafor inside the area.
Okafor struck a half-volley that travelled low into the bottom corner, giving Horníček no chance and putting Leeds 4-0 ahead.
With the game effectively beyond Newcastle, Leeds continued to look for further opportunities while the visitors struggled to find a way back into the contest.
Newcastle eventually pulled one goal back in the closing stages. Bazoumana Touré took advantage of a rare defensive lapse from Leeds to score in the 89th minute and give the visitors a consolation.
There was no late comeback, however, as Leeds saw out the remaining minutes to secure a 4-1 victory.
Calvert-Lewin was the standout figure for Leeds, scoring twice and playing a part in the goal that gave the hosts their second of the evening. His performance provided another positive moment for Farke, who will be pleased with the response from his team following their Carabao Cup defeat to Chelsea.
Bogle also played an important role, offering Leeds an attacking threat from the right and contributing to the build-up for their second goal.
For Newcastle, the defeat exposed problems in their ability to deal with Leeds’ pressing and pressure, particularly during the first half. Their defensive errors allowed Leeds to build a commanding lead before the break, leaving the visitors with too much to do after half-time.
Leeds will now look to carry the momentum from the victory into their next Premier League fixture. After four matches, Farke’s side remain unbeaten in the league and sit third in the table with eight points.
