Leeds bounce back in five-star show
MARCELO BIELSA’S side bounced back from consecutive defeats to leapfrog Newcastle with a spectacular victory. Steve Bruce’s side took the lead through Jeff Hendrick, but goals either side of the interval from Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo turned the game on its head. Ciaran Clark levelled soon after Rodrigo’s goal, only for Stuart Dallas to restore Leeds’ advantage in the 77th minute. Swift counter-attacks saw the Elland Road side seal victory as Ezgjan Alioski got on the scoresheet before Jack Harrison found the top corner from 25 yards. Newcastle’s Ryan Fraser made his first start since the beginning of last month and the Scot made an immediate impact, his cross flicked on by Callum Wilson and turned in by Hendrick after 26 minutes. Raphinha’s cross was then met by Rodrigo, whose header looped onto the crossbar, leaving Bamford with a simple finish for Leeds. The hosts went ahead for the first time in the 61st minute when Harrison’s cross was met by a bullet header from Rodrigo. A Fraser corner saw Clark head home the leveller in the 65th minute but the game’s seesaw nature continued as Leeds’ Mateusz Klich’s ball from the left bounced over Jamal Lewis and was headed in at the back post by Dallas. Newcastle were then twice caught on the counter from their own corner-kicks; Alioski finishing well in the 85th minute before Harrison superbly found the top corner. ‘It was a deserved victory,’ said Bielsa. ‘We attacked a lot in both halves and had plenty of chances but we were more efficient second half.’ Bruce added: ‘Until the last 12 minutes, we gave as good as we got. But when you give away bad goals at this level, especially two or three in a matter of minutes, it’s hard to swallow.’