NEWCASTLE UNITED went five points clear at the top of the Championship with an impressive 2-0 win at Leeds United.
A Dwight Gayle double sealed all three points for Rafa Benitez’s side, who secured their eighth straight league win as the Magpies take a step closer to an immediate return to the Premier League.
Newcastle were by far the superior side against a Leeds outfit going into the clash full of confidence, having gone unbeaten in their last five games.
Both sets of fans held a minutes applause before kick off to mark the fifth anniversary of the death of Gary Speed, who played for both clubs.
Newcastle took the lead on 28 minutes following a howler from Leeds keeper Rob Green who fumbled a hopeful ball into the box from Jack Colback.
And Gayle was on hand to punish the mistake with his 12th league goal of the season.
Green had to endure jibes from the visiting fans who chanted “Englands number one” to rub salt into the veteran keeper’s wound.
The visitors set the tone for the first half and took control right from the off with under-fire Jonjo Shelvey – who is currently facing an FA charge – and Jack Colback controlling the game in midfield.
And Shelvey’s quick thinking from a free kick put in Gayle early on, whose effort was smothered by Green.
The home side started the second half brightly as Eunan O’Kane’s excellent turn and shot forced an smart save from Magpies Keeper Karl Darlow.
Leeds had a couple of penalty appeals turn down by referee Graham Scott much to the frustration of the majority of the 36,000 Elland Road sell out.
Full back Charlie Taylor forced his way into the box and hit the deck surrounded by a posse of Newcastle players, but the referee waved play on.
While Ronaldo Vieira’s attempted cross struck the arm of Colback from close range – but this time the assistant referee gave nothing.
related stories
The Magpies doubled their advantage on 53 minutes as Colback, Perez and Anita brilliantly combined to cut open the home side’s defence for Gayle to tap in from close range – which stunned the Leeds faithful.
Gayle’s strike made it 13 league goals in 13 games for the former Crystal Palace striker – who with every goal scored is looking like a steal at £10million.
Despite a good recent run, Garry Monk’s side couldn’t cope with the visitors’ quality, the Magpies looking like a side who believe they are on their way back to the big time.
Gayle is the top scorer in the Championship with 13 goals and his double at Elland Road came just days after recovering from being attacked on a night out in Liverpool with club team mates.
When the 26-year-old striker was asked post match if there was any doubt he would be available for today's game, he responded with a simple: "No, no doubt. I was fine".
Leave a comment