Newcastle United would have won if any two of these four players had played at Elland Road

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The Mag

·30. August 2025

Newcastle United would have won if any two of these four players had played at Elland Road

Can’t argue with the result, Leeds 0 Newcastle 0, it was what it was.

A rain-soaked surface didn’t help Eddie Howe’s side but it certainly wasn’t the only factor counting against the visitors.

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Leeds United are what they are, a promoted team that like so many others that come up, look seriously short of quality up front.

So they set out today determined to not get beat as their top priority, little surprise after the previous week had seen a five goal hammering at Arsenal and an embarrassing cup defeat at crisis club Sheffield Wednesday.

Both Newcastle United fans and neutrals were keen to claim that Monday night had taken too much out of Eddie Howe’s team.

I think it was more that a variety of circumstances had taken these players out of the availability ranks for Eddie Howe.

If any two (or more) of these four had been available, then I think Newcastle United would have won for sure:

Anthony Gordon – Suspended

Joelinton – Injured

Nick Woltemade – Not signed in time to play

Alexander Isak – Missing in action

It was little surprise that Newcastle United looked very good in defence and comfortable in defensive midfield. Our players were available.

However, you simply can’t do with so many quality players at the other end of the pitch, those who give NUFC their attacking platform and threat.

I don’t think there was a lot wrong with what Eddie Howe did as he juggled his available resources.

Sven Botman is one of our best players and Trippier and Tino are very good wing-backs. Using your best resources.

However, with Eddie Howe keeping back Elanga and Barnes as bench threats to win the game in the later stages, it even more became apparent that we would struggle to create the necessary chances, apply the necessary finishing…

When you add a rotten fussy referee who was determined to stop the game flowing and saw a foul every time Osula went near the ball. No wonder this was a goalless draw all day…and all night.

Leeds 0 Newcastle 0 – Saturday 30 August 2025 5.30pm

Newcastle United:

Leeds

Possession was Newcastle 57% Leeds 43%

Total shots were Newcastle 8 Leeds 10

Shots on target were Newcastle 2 Leeds 1

Corners were Newcastle 5 Leeds 5

Touches in the box Newcastle 13 Leeds 19

Newcastle team v Leeds:

Pope, Trippier (Hall 61), Schar, Botman (Barnes 69), Burn, Livramento, Tonali, Bruno, Ramsey (Miley 46), Jacob Murphy (Elanga 62), Osula

Unused subs:

Ramsdale, Lascelles, Thiaw, Krafth, Willock