Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
Sport
Ciaran Kelly

Newcastle's new hope, transfer targets take note and Leeds' Wood and Trippier taunts - 5 things

Newcastle United have moved within a point of safety following a huge 1-0 win against Leeds United at Elland Road.

Jonjo Shelvey scored the only goal in the game in the 75th minute after the midfielder curled a free-kick past Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

Here are five things we learned from the game.

Newcastle United transfer news LIVE

Newcastle have hope after priceless win

If Newcastle's game against Watford was a must-win clash last week, well, this trip to Elland Road surely fell into the same category.

Draws against sides in and around them are no use to Newcastle, particularly after relegation rivals Norwich triumphed at Vicarage Road on Friday night, and the Magpies were four points from safety going into this game against Leeds after winning just one game all season.

There were now fresh signings to boost the squad so it fell to the same group of players who inexplicably retreated against Watford to step up as Kieran Trippier called on his side to 'put things right'.

Eddie Howe warned his players they needed to 'match' Leeds' 'really high intensity' and bring their 'A-game physically' and Newcastle certainly did that.

There were some hairy moments in the first half - Leeds caused Newcastle real problems in behind down the flanks - but Newcastle settled into the game and dug out a win following a gritty and committed second-half display.

Jonjo Shelvey celebrates with Kieran Trippier (Getty Images)

This performance has given Newcastle something to build on now and it is crucial they do just that against Everton next month.

Jonjo Shelvey steps up when Newcastle need him most

The pressure was on Jonjo Shelvey in the 75th minute when Kieran Trippier, a set-piece specialist, agreed to let the midfielder take the free-kick from the edge of area.

Yet Shelvey was the coolest man on the pitch when the 29-year-old curled his low effort around the Leeds wall and into the back of the net after goalkeeper Ilan Meslier was caught out by the bounce of the ball.

Shelvey immediately made a beeline for the away end before being swarmed by his team-mates as Eddie Howe clenched his fists on the touchline and Newcastle supporters let off flares.

Shelvey has now scored 61% of his Premier League goals from outside the penalty area. Of the players with 20 plus goals in the competition, only David Ginola (67%) and Laurent Robert (65%) have a higher such ratio.

It was a huge goal - perhaps one of the most important Shelvey has ever scored - and you could see the confidence it gave the visitors as they finished the game strongly. Indeed, Ryan Fraser and Joe Willock both had great chances to double the Magpies' advantage.

Newcastle show the spirit they'll need

Newcastle's strong finish to the game was all the more remarkable when you take into account that the Magpies had to match Leeds' remarkable intensity all game and, also, because the visitors lost three players to injury.

Joelinton, Paul Dummett and Jamaal Lascelles had all come off by the 69th minute yet those disruptions did not necessarily hurt spirited Newcastle, who continued to stand firm at the back.

Despite being unable to make any attacking changes - Jacob Murphy, Miguel Almiron and Dwight Gayle had to stay on the bench because Howe had made all of his substitutions - Newcastle continued to cause Leeds problems late on.

Indeed, Javier Manquillo was a menace out of position at left-back and ended up winning Newcastle the free-kick that won Howe's side the game while Sean Longstaff and Ciaran Clark also helped the Magpies over the line.

Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle United leaves the field (Getty Images)

This win will come at a cost, though, and it was noticeable how leggy both Ryan Fraser and Joe Willock looked in the closing stages. Howe will certainly be relieved to have a 16-day break between games now as Newcastle head to Saudi Arabia for a warm-weather training camp.

Newcastle owners given potential transfer boost

Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi were both watching on from the directors' box as Newcastle's part-owners witnessed just their second victory since buying the club - and their first on the road.

This could yet prove a significant win ahead of a huge week off the field as Newcastle look to make a number of quality additions in the final days of the transfer window.

Targets who may have been a little unsure about the prospect of joining a side who were previously in 19th place, after just one win all season, might feel a little more inclined now after seeing Newcastle claim a much-needed victory.

If Newcastle had lost this game, or even drawn it, the picture would have looked rather bleak - even with so many points still to play for.

Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood have last laugh after taunts

There was a derby-like atmosphere at Elland Road and Leeds supporters did not need an added excuse to 'welcome' Chris Wood back to Elland Road.

It was during his successful two-year spell at Leeds that Wood truly blossomed - averaging a goal every other game - after working hard on his game and, indeed, his physique.

However, during a quiet first-half display, Leeds fans taunted their former striker as they sang: 'All that money and you signed Chris Wood'.

Leeds' fans also serenaded fellow new arrival Kieran Trippier whenever the right-back took a corner kick with a chant of 'You greedy b------!'

Yet, come full-time, it was the pair who had the last laugh as they celebrated their first win since joining the club earlier this month.

We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.