FRI 17 SEPT 2021 PREMIER LEAGUE
Newcastle United 1 Leeds United 1 HT 1-1
Saint-Maximin (44’minutes) Raphinha (13’minutes)
Assists –
Joelinton (44’minutes) Bamford (13’minutes)
Allan Saint-Maximin’s fine equaliser lifted the pressure on Newcastle boss Steve Bruce as his side earned a point against Leeds.
After a week when Bruce had to defend his position following further criticism from fans, the mood turned ugly inside a packed St James’ Park when Raphinha cut in from the right and sent his cross into the far corner of Karl Darlow’s goal after 13 minutes.
As Leeds threatened to run riot against a disjointed Newcastle, “we want Brucey out” was sung by all sides of the stadium.
Marcelo Bielsa’s free-spirited side should have been further ahead before the break, but after Matt Ritchie hit a post, Saint-Maximin lifted the mood when he danced around the Leeds defence before finding the bottom corner.
It was a massive goal for both Newcastle and Bruce, who punched the air in delight, and restored some equilibrium after a torrid first half.
There was less stress for Bruce after the break as Newcastle switched to four at the back and Saint-Maximin twice tested Illan Meslier in the Leeds goal.
The result left both sides still searching for their first win of the season, and at the wrong end of the table.
League position 16th after 5 games
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