Allan Saint-Maximin’s fine equaliser lifted the pressure on Newcastle boss Steve Bruce as his side earned a point against Leeds.
After a week when Bruce had to defend his position following further criticism from fans, the mood turned ugly inside a packed St James’ Park when Raphina cut in from the right and sent his cross into the far corner of Karl Darlow’s goal after 13 minutes.
As Leeds threatened to run riot against a disjointed Newcastle, “we want Brucey out” was sung by all sides of the stadium.
Marcelo Bielsa’s free-spirited side should have been further ahead before the break, but after Matt Ritchie hit a post, Saint-Maximin lifted the mood when he danced around the Leeds defence before finding the bottom corner.
It was a massive goal for both Newcastle and Bruce, who punched the air in delight and restored some equilibrium after a torrid first half.
There was less stress for Bruce after the break as both sides cancelled each other out, as Saint-Maximin twice tested Illan Meslier in the Leeds goal.
The result left both sides still searching for their first win of the season, and at the wrong end of the table.
But a point kept Bruce’s head above water even if there will still call for him to leave the club as the game finished.
In Other News – Dinamo Zagreb 0 – 2 West Ham
West Ham opened their Europa League Group H campaign with a comfortable win at Dinamo Zagreb.
Michail Antonio set the Hammers on their way with his fifth goal of the season, latching on to an under-hit backpass from Kevin Theophile-Catherine to round home goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and slide the ball into an empty net. learn more
