Three things we learnt as Leeds grab a draw against Newcastle during goalless encounter

Three things we learnt as Leeds grab a draw against Newcastle during goalless encounter

Three things we learnt as Leeds grab a draw against Newcastle during goalless encounter

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REUTERS

Ben McCaffrey

By Ben McCaffrey


Published: 30/08/2025

- 19:34

Updated: 30/08/2025

- 19:49

Both sides failed to break the deadlock in a game lacking quality

Leeds and Newcastle played out a bore-draw at Elland Road on Saturday evening, with both side’s struggles in front of goal evidenced.

The home side enjoyed decent spells while nullifying much of Newcastle’s attacking threat, but neither team really threatened to break the deadlock.


Dominic Calvert-Lewin made his Premier League debut for Daniel Farke’s side after he left Everton in the summer.

But he failed to add any potency going forward during a game that saw just three shots on target all match.

With that being said, here are three things we learnt from the match.

Leeds lack quality going forward

Dan James

Dan James struggled to make an impact against a below-par Newcastle side

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REUTERS

It wasn’t a bad performance from Farke’s side, who had energy and asserted their dominance as the home team.

Sean Longstaff was busy against his former club, while Willy Gnonto provided most of the attacking threat out wide.

Sean Longstaff

Sean Longstaff was awarded the man of the match by Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports

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REUTERS

However, Leeds’ lack of impetus going forward was clear as day. For all that their work in the middle of the park was impressive, they failed to really threaten Nick Pope in the Newcastle net.

Dan James was subbed off on the hour mark, with the Welshman struggling to impact the game while Lukas Nmecha added physicality up top but no real goal threat.

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Elland Road

A packed Elland Road watch Leeds grab their fourth point of the campaign

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REUTERS

Strengthening their forward options before the end of the window has to be a priority, to add goals and potency.

Newcastle were far from their best on the evening and Leeds saw much of the ball in what could have been an opportunity to nick a crucial three points, as Sunderland did earlier in the day.

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​Newcastle’s squad depth is alarming

Eddie Howe rotated his side for the trip to Elland Road, with Anthony Elanga, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon dropping out, the latter being suspended after his red card against Liverpool on Monday.

The new-look forward line consisting of Jacob Murphy and William Osula struggled to carve out anything of real quality.

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Sandro Tonali

Newcastle were far from their best on the night

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With Champions League this season, Newcastle’s squad will need to be stronger than ever, given how much of an impact it made last time Howe’s side competed in Europe.

The window is not over yet, with the Tyneside club securing Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart for a club record fee of £69 million and pursuits of Yoanne Wissa and Jorgen Strand Larsen not concluded, the situation could still be fixed - but it will take money.

Newcastle have shown they are open to spending this summer, with the club forking out in excess of £200million on transfers, but they need more if they are to compete well in both domestic and continental competitions.

What could be a concern is that Howe's side are still searching for their league win of the campaign after an unfortunate but well-spirited defeat against Liverpool earlier in the week and a goalless draw against Aston Villa.

Their woes up top remain evident, with Alexander Isak still no closer to a conclusion on his future.

The promoted sides all look comfortable

Bruno Guimaraes

Newcastle skipper Bruno Guimaraes cut a frustrated figure on the pitch

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REUTERS

While Leeds' attack was devoid of quality, their ability to keep Newcastle's threat at bay is something to take as a positive for Farke.

The Yorkshire side have performed well when playing in front of the home crowd, picking up a crucial win against Everton on the opening weekend.

In both games, Leeds have looked strong in midfield and comfortable at the back. For all of their woes in front of goal, having a sturdy foundation is vital.

Leeds have that, and if they can add more going forward before the end of the window they will give themselves a good chance.

With that, the three newly-promoted sides all look far more comfortable and ready for Premier League football, unlike last season.

Earlier in the day, Burnley almost nicked a point at Old Trafford after beating Sunderland last week, while the Black Cats secured their second victory of the campaign against Brentford.

All three sides have shown they can cut it at this level and promise to revive a relegation battle that had been forgotten in recent years.