Newcastle 0-0 Leeds: Missed chances deny Mags dream end to incredible 2022
A tough end to a truly incredible year on Tyneside as Newcastle United couldn't finish their dinner against Leeds.
On another day, we'd have walked away comfortable winners, having created enough chances to win more than one game, but we were wasteful in front of goal all afternoon in what can only be described as one of those days.
We gave it our all, had 60% of the ball, twice as many shots (16) as the visitors, but just couldn't find a way past Illan Meslier; although that was mainly down to our wayward finishing than the Frenchman's brilliance.
Howe named an unchanged side, and who can blame him based on that ruthless 3-0 win at Leicester earlier this week. That meant Chris Wood up top against his former club, Callum Wilson back on the bench alongside Allan Saint-Maximin, Joelinton out wide once again and the usual back four and midfield trio that has served us so well of late.
A minutes applause followed for the late, great Pele and it was us who had the first chance, as Wood rounded the goalkeeper after getting in down the right, only to slice his effort wide on a slippy St James’ Park pitch.
Leeds were pressing well and committing bodies forward, although that was allowing us to get runners in behind. This time, it was Willock who latched onto another lofted through ball, but his touch let him down and Joelinton’s low shot was easily gathered.
Three chances then came our way from Kieran Trippier set pieces - something Leeds often struggle to defend. Schar headed a corner wide, Burn had a swing and a miss from inside the six yard box and Botman’s full stretch effort was straight at Meslier.
In between all of that, Burn made a trademark block to deny a big chance after Aaronson wriggled clear of Botman in the box, with the American almost bursting in behind - only to be met by an onrushing Nick Pope. They were clearly here to cause an upset and attempted to match our intensity, although they were leaving space down our left; something Joelinton and Burn weren’t able to exploit.
Allan Saint-Maximin must’ve been licking his lips, especially with Leeds right back Luke Ayling going into the booking just before the break. However, there was no changes at the break, only another flurry of chances, as Schar smashed wide and Wood smothered by Meslier after he latched onto Burn's knock down.
The atmosphere was lifting as fans knew we had a Leeds side on the ropes, yet more wasted opportunities followed as we continued to blaze big chances over the bar. Longstaff was guilty of this twice after a great run from Joelinton and brilliant bit of work from Almiron, but on both occasions he smashed way over.
Schar came close at the Gallowgate with a downwards header from yet another Trippier cross, yet that was too close to Meslier and away for another corner we failed to capitalise on. For all his creativity, it was worth noting that a few too many of Trippier's deliveries were easily caught by the keeper.
Pope showed his class by tipping Rodrigo's curling effort wide, proving reliable as ever when called upon. He was a spectator for the most part today, with this being one of Leeds' only efforts of the second half, but it was another classy intervention from the big man.
The referee had no control of the game and was falling for Leeds' desperate tactics as time ticked on, seeing the frustration levels increase inside a soaking St James' Park.
Saint-Maximin and Wilson came on for Willock and Wood. The Frenchman had the beating of his man, although we were struggling to get him on the ball. One trademark run resulted in yet another half chance, this time for Joelinton, however the Brazilian blazed over.
With Man Utd winning at Wolves in today's early kick off, they are now just one point behind us having played a game less. But, we remain third and head into 2023 in the hunt for a top four finish - an incredible feat given the state we were in just 12 months ago.
A tough one to take at the end of an incredible year. Next up, a trip to Arsenal on Tuesday!
STARTING XI: Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock – Almiron, Wood, Joelinton.
SUBS: Darlow, Lascelles, Lewis, Manquillo, Ritchie, Anderson, Saint-Maximin*, Murphy*, Wilson*.
