A dominant Leeds scored three late goals against Newcastle as they secured only their second Premier League win in seven games.
The home side had created 20 efforts on target after 76 minutes, but found themselves level at 2-2 before right-back Stuart Dallas stole in at the far post to convert Mateusz Klich’s ball from the left in the 77th minute.
Newcastle adopted their usual counter-attacking tactic during the contest, but in searching for an equaliser were twice given a taste of their own medicine when Ezgjan Alioski fired in from substitute Pablo Hernandez’s pass after a swift break before Jack Harrison thumped home a brilliant fifth on the run from 25 yards.
Newcastle went ahead when Jeff Hendrick converted from close range before Patrick Bamford’s header levelled matters. Rodrigo’s brilliant stooping header gave the advantage to the home side, but Newcastle hit back through Ciaran Clark’s header.
However, unlike many recent matches the valiant exertions of Marcelo Bielsa’s side were rewarded with the late flurry of goals, and the win moves them up to 14th, level on 17 points with Newcastle in 13th.
Leeds rewarded for domination
Despite only one win in six and knowing his attack faced a hardy defence, manager Bielsa said before the contest that he had no reason to change the XI that lost 2-1 to West Ham at the weekend.
And why would he? When it comes to energy expenditure and endeavour the promoted side have yet to let down their commander-in-chief – the main negatives have been converting their domination into goals and conceding from set-pieces.
For much of the game, it seemed like history would be repeating. Having given the Magpies’ defence a thorough workout they were level with time running out. Fortunately for them, their fitness levels are up their with the best in the league, as well as their concentration levels unlike Sean Longstaff, who was pickpocketed in the area seconds before Dallas headed the home side into the lead.
That changed Newcastle’s approach, and Leeds ruthlessly took advantage. Harrison, whose magnificent control and peach of a cross led to Rodrigo’s goal, provided the icing on a very palatable cake when he let fly from 25 yards to seal a deserved victory.
