Leeds United 0-2 Newcastle - And A Great Tribute To Gary Speed

by Jake Swinburn · Published 21 November 2016, 07:17

Going into the game against Leeds, many felt that Newcastle’s seven match winning streak could be in danger. This proved to be wide of the mark.

Newcastle saw themselves home and dry, due mainly to two instinctive goals from Dwight Gayle. The first of which was due mainly to a mistake from Leeds, and former England, goalkeeper Rob Green, who dropped the ball on Gayle’s foot less than six yards out, following an over hit pass from Jack Colback.

The second however, was a great team move, which was brilliantly finished by Gayle, who was just onside.

Leeds did little to threaten the Newcastle goal but Karl Darlow did extremely well when he was called upon. The defence stood strong and the midfield bossed most of the game.

The game itself was like the Cardiff home game, whereby the oppositions best moments in the game came mainly from the overconfidence of Newcastle, as the game appeared to become too easy at times.

Like Cardiff, Leeds were let down by their main centre back. Where it had been Sol Bamba for Cardiff, it was Pontus Jansson for Leeds. With Jansson struggling to cope with Dwight Gayle throughout the game.

It was good to see Gayle back in the team and back scoring goals, showing he clearly relishes the challenge to his starting position that an in-form Aleksandar Mitrovic brings.

With Rafa Benitez’s side comfortably dispatching of those around them on almost a weekly basis, it seems that Newcastle United will be back in the top division after this season.

While Gayle’s second goal provided the classiest moment on the pitch, off it both sets of fans were full of praise for their former number eleven, Gary Speed.

Speed was honoured on the eleventh minute, with applause and singing of his name. Fitting for a player who was such a big part of both clubs.

It has now been five years since the death of the Welshman and it was remarkable to see both sets of fans come together to pay tribute to their former player, something that they both deserve credit for.