Newcastle end 2022 third despite draw with Leeds

Newcastle will finish 2022 third in the Premier League despite being held to a goalless draw by Leeds at St James’ Park.

Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier saved excellently from both Chris Wood and Fabian Schar in the second half – a half played almost exclusively in the visitors’ territory.

Still, Newcastle are now unbeaten in 12 games – a run which goes back to August – and are two points behind second-placed Manchester City. They are only six adrift of leaders Arsenal, who can increase their cushion against Brighton from 17:30 GMT.

The hard-earned point for Leeds, who had one shot on target all match, moves them up a place to 14th.

Jesse Marsch’s side are now three points clear of the relegation zone.

Stubborn Leeds hold impressive Magpies

A year ago, three months after their Saudi Arabia-backed takeover, Newcastle were 19th in the Premier League.

At that stage manager the thought of Eddie Howe refusing to rule out a title challenge, as he did before this game, would have been fanciful at best.

They end the year in the top three for only the third time in the Premier League era – and the first since the 2001-02 campaign.

Much has been made of Newcastle as an attacking force this season with Miguel Almiron the most obvious improvement. Despite almost constant pressure, the winger was largely kept in check by Leeds’ organised defence who repelled wave after wave of Newcastle attack.

Sean Longstaff blazed over from inside the area but otherwise Newcastle’s clearest opening came from set-pieces with Kieran Tripper’s delivery proving dangerous.

Meslier spread himself to make the block at the feet of Wood after a knock-down and saved with his feet to keep out Schar’s header.

Callum Wilson, fit again after illness, came on after 64 minutes for his first appearance since the World Cup but was kept quiet.

The clenched-fisted celebrations at the end from Leeds, whose one goalbound effort was a curling strike by Rodrigo tipped away by Nick Pope, suggested this was a point gained from their perspective.

Newcastle’s next match, a visit to Arsenal on 3 January, will offer some indication of whether they can indeed mount a title challenge.

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