Leeds United rondo exit, Farke's Bogle mood switch and off-camera Newcastle United moments — YEP 31/8/25
By Graham Smyth
The YEP’s take and off-camera moments from Leeds United’s
goalless draw against Newcastle United at Elland Road.
Leeds United more than matched Newcastle United at Elland
Road thanks in part to one man who excelled on what must have been a strange
day, personally.
The Whites were good value for a 0-0 draw with the Magpies
and might even have nicked all three points.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin's late chance saw Daniel Farke's hands
go to his head in agony with the win right there on the striker's boot.
But after the game the German admitted three points might
have been a tad greedy because Newcastle had moments of their own in a largely
even affair.
Here's the YEP take.
Good day
Sean Longstaff
As strange as it must have been playing against his former
side, the occasion evidently inspired the midfielder. He was crunching into
tackles from the off, setting the tone and covering for Ethan Ampadu's absence.
With the ball he was smart and without it he was waspish. He covered a huge
distance and didn't seem to fade. A huge performance.
Jayden Bogle
The question of whether or not he can make the leap to the
Premier League will be answered over a much longer timeframe but the early
evidence is very promising. His ability to dribble forward, beat men and take
Leeds into dangerous areas has so far looked just as effective in the top
flight as it did in the Championship. He was very good against Newcastle United
and more than held his own defensively.
Jack Harrison
Having been roundly booed in pre-season, Harrison must have
been delighted to hear a mixed reception when he came off the bench in the
second half. Many have not forgiven him, evidently, but this performance was
one to admire and more like it will help his cause. His first touch was
excellent and he got at Newcastle. The link-up with Dominic Calvert-Lewin
almost paid off. This felt like a start. Just a start, mind.
Daniel Farke
Having come in for stick for his selection and approach
against Arsenal and then taken more flak for what happend at Sheffield
Wednesday, Farke had to get it right against Newcastle. The performance as much
as the result vindicated his decisions. Leeds had to be competitive and they
were, more than.
Bad day
Daniel James
You always get the same level of hard work from Dan James
but Leeds needed a bit more than that from him in good positions and he was
unable to deliver. It looked a bit of a struggle for him and others shone more
brightly.
Anthony Elanga
Elland Road gave its traditional greeting to an
ex-Manchester United man and he was unable to respond. His performance was
poor, his touch was poor and his decision-making not much better. All of that
came as a relief to Leeds who surely feared his pace and ability would cause
problems when he came off the bench.
Joel Piroe
Having struggled against Arsenal, the forward lost his
starting place to Lukas Nmecha and was not Farke's choice for first sub when
the summer signing tired up top. Dominic Calvert-Lewin brought a similarly
physical presence to Nmecha but looked even more dangerous. If the other two
are fit then it will be difficult for Piroe to get that starting place back.
Off-camera moments
Sean Longstaff making it three paces inside the stadium
before being met by former colleagues.
Noah Okafor chatting with Newcastle's Anthony Elanga before
they were joined by the latter's Swedish international team-mate Gabriel
Gudmundsson.
Paraag Marathe pacing the directors box long before the
game.
A fan approaching the directors box with a point to make to
director Pete Lowy. The pair had an amicable-looking exchange for a few
minutes.
Okafor ducking out of the subs' rondo to go and catch up
with Malick Thiaw, his fellow ex-Milan man, much to the chagrin of Dominic
Calvert-Lewin. As soon as Okafor returned he was pointedly summoned to the
middle of the rondo by Harrison.
Farke losing his rag completely with Bogle's positioning at
a Newcastle throw-in. Seconds later the manager was applauding the full-back's
attempt to play Dan James in behind.
Lowy and Adam Underwood staying out in the directors box for
a chat at half-time.
Pascal Struijk and Gabriel Gudmundsson arguing over who was
at fault after Struijk's pass put the left-back in an awkward position and the
ball was lost.
Longstaff getting a bear hug from Dan Burn at full-time.
Farke going straight to his centre-backs to impart some
wisdom before patting them both on the head.
Longstaff being serenaded by the away fans and showing his
appreciation.
Gudmundsson and Okafor paying visits to the Newcastle
dressing room for the purpose of shirt swapping and catching up with pals.
