Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
IT’S RAPH & TUMBLE
Toon show some fight.. but their losing streak continues
STEVE BRUCE saw hope, Newcastle fans only a ninth defeat in 11 winless games.
Toon were ultimately demolished by Leeds’ ruthless attack and all-action style, but not without putting up a decent fight in the second half at St James’ Park.
Rodrigo was at the centre of a bust-up with Fabian Schar. The Spaniard leaned into Schar’s face when he was on the ground, causing the Magpies star to furiously react.
Marcelo Bielsa and Bruce said they were unaware of the claims after the match, which were highlighted by fans on social media.
But as Bielsa’s side ended their three-game losing streak, showing resilience to hold on, fragile Toon suffered a sixth defeat in a row. Bruce can cling to an improved display after the break, with a first goal in 425 minutes of play – scored by Miguel Almiron – and 22 shots and nine corners. But goals from Raphinha and Jack Harrison proved decisive.
This was a performance, if not a result, that might save Bruce from the axe in the short term. But worried fans fear a long slide towards the bottom three as their earlyseason cushion gets eroded.
It’s just three wins in their last 14 games at home, seven losses and one clean sheet. Relegation form in all but
Premier League position. Bruce said: “It has been tough. We were unlucky. We didn’t deserve to lose and were a threat and had some glorious chances. The performance gives us something to fall back on.
“I saw a bit at Aston Villa and enough today that, if we stay healthy, we will be fine.”
Leeds were energised by an 11-day rest and just about deserved the win. The visitors bossed the opening, taking the lead in the 17th minute through Raphinha set up by Rodrigo. Bielsa’s men were sharper in movement and mind than the home side, who revived in the second half and levelled the game albeit for just four minutes.
Almiron (below) produced the finish from 15 yards on 57 minutes when sent through on goal by Callum Wilson, after good work winning the ball back from Jamaal Lascelles and then Jonjo Shelvey.
It was only Toon’s second goal in 14 hours of play, such has been their lack of creativity and chance creation.
But Leeds roared back, stretching Newcastle on the break. Raphinha floated a ball to the left of the area and Harrison volleyed home just after the hour mark.
Bielsa said: “There was a 20-minute spell after Harrison’s goal where it was hard to control the game. We expected it to be a difficult match.”