A round-up of what the national media are reporting after Leeds United’s 0-0 draw at St James’ Park.
‘Not pretty’
“Just like the rain, Newcastle United did not let up,” Craig Hope reported in the Daily Mail. “But as relentless as Eddie Howe’s side were in pursuit of a seventh straight win, Leeds United were equally resistant.
“This was two points dropped for Newcastle and one gained for Leeds - 16 shots to eight tells you that much. Still, it would be hard to argue there was great injustice in the outcome.
READ MORE: Leeds United answer defensive questions in Newcastle draw but Ayling and Harrison let chances slip
“It was not pretty. Indeed, little was on an afternoon when the conditions aided slick approach play but were far from kind to those attempting to apply some finesse in the final third.”
Marsch’s ‘successful’ game plan
Louise Taylor wrote in the Guardian: “The incessant rain had long since plastered Jesse Marsch’s hair flat to his head and left water dripping down the back of his neck, but the Leeds manager appeared almost oblivious to the discomfort.
“After restraining himself sufficiently to exchange a polite handshake with Eddie Howe, the American subsequently toured the pitch, exchanging embraces and high fives with his team as they celebrated the successful execution of an impressively streetwise gameplan.
Special hugs were reserved for Tyler Adams, who was excellent against Bruno Guimarães in central midfield, and Illan Meslier, superb in vital moments on a day when he was often underworked in goal.
Newcastle ‘wasted’ chances
Leeds were let off by a wasteful Newcastle side at St James’ Park, reported The Sun. Colin Young wrote: Newcastle head into the New Year in the Premier League’s top three for only the third time despite drawing 0-0 with Leeds.
But the side who were in the bottom two a year ago wasted chances to win their seventh game in a row and play catch-up with the top two. The point was a hard-earned reward for Leeds who had come to Tyneside to win a point - and celebrated in front of more than 4,000 supporters high in the stands at the final whistle.
Leeds boss Jesse Marsch, who led those celebrations, had made three changes to his starting XI which lost to Manchester City.
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