Pressure grows on Bruce with latest loss

NEWCASTLE UNITED 1 LEEDS UNITED 2

A RESULT that might get a manager the sack, although not a performance, as Newcastle United produced their best display for weeks but still suffered another painful and worrying defeat.

It is now nine losses in a run of 11 games without a win in all competitions as Leeds ended their own slump, putting a stop to a series of three defeats on the bounce.

Newcastle’s hierarchy remain reluctant to sack Steve Bruce and there was enough here to soothe owner Mike Ashley’s concerns. While the defeat means the Magpies remain in a relegation battle, this was far better than the dross served up over the bleakest of mid-winters.

They had 22 shots and nine corners and were the better side for much of the contest. But in a results business, their situation is precarious. Bruce’s critics, of which there are many on Tyneside, will feel that this defeat is just another reason why he should go.

When a professional footballer takes three touches and still does not have control of the ball after receiving it from a throw-in, you are going to be in trouble. And Jacob Murphy was.

Jack Harrison did not have to pick his pocket, the hole was already there. Murphy simply dropped his valuables for the Leeds player to pick up and run off with.

Harrison poked it on to Patrick Bamford and Leeds had a four-versus-three attack. The ball was moved on to Rodrigo, who teed up Raphinha, and he stroked into the net for the 17th-minute opener.

The hosts improved and got their reward 12 minutes after the break when Callum Wilson set up Miguel Almiron, who slotted home.

It felt like Newcastle would go on to win. However, they were level for just four minutes as Raphinha chipped a pass to Harrison inside the area and his sumptuous shot curled inside the far post for the winner.