With two of the shakiest defences squaring off against each other, goal-mouth action was guaranteed, however, both Newcastle United and Leeds United failed to capitalise on their plentiful chances and had to settle for a 1-1 draw at St. James’ Park on Friday.

Kicking off the fifth round of Premier League fixtures with a late Friday evening start, Marcelo Bielsa’s started on the front foot as they rushed forward from the get-go. Leeds drew first blood through a long-range effort from winger Raphinha in the 13th minute. Leeds looked set for a victory on the road, however, as the initial momentum faded away, Newcastle got back into the game.

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Newcastle came close on multiple occasions, however, it was Allan Saint-Maximin, who with his solo effort just before the half-time whistle, equalised for Steve Bruce’s side. But the goal wasn’t enough to stop sections of the 50,000 crowd at the stadium from chanting for the exit of manager Bruce from the club.

Both sides are still awaiting a first league win of the season.

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Leeds took the lead early in the first half when Raphinha crossed from the left, Rodrigo appeared to attempt to back-heel the ball toward the goal and, in the process, wrong-footed Karl Darlow. The Newcastle goalkeeper could only look on in horror as Raphina’s cross sailed into his net.

Meanwhile, Saint-Maximin, by far Newcastle’s most impressive performer on the night, collected Joelinton’s square ball on the edge of the box and side-stepped two prospective challenges before smashing a low drive across Meslier and into the net.

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Although the home side had a better, more resilient shape about them immediately after the break, Leeds’ new signing Daniel James was still gifted time and space to drag a 50th-minute volley wide and Darlow had to make a fine reaction save from teammate Jamaal Lascelles’ headed clearance.

With inputs from the Associated Press