Leeds United fell to a crushing defeat in one of the most dramatic games in recent memory, losing 4-3 at Newcastle despite going ahead three times. Brenden Aaronson scored twice either side of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s penalty but it counted for nothing as their seven-game unbeaten run came to an end.
Aaronson made it 1-0 on the half-hour mark, arrowing a brilliant 20-yard effort into the bottom corner after a mistake from Malick Thiaw, but their lead lasted just 10 minutes with Harvey Barnes scoring from close range. Leeds were awarded a first-half added-time penalty for handball which Calvert-Lewin confidently buried to round off a chaotic opening 45.
That advantage disappeared again 10 minutes after the break with Joelinton glancing Bruno Guimaraes’ cross into the far corner after Leeds had switched off. A mad-cap game continued to ebb and flow with Farke’s side going ahead for a third time on 79 minutes, Aaronson finishing well after Ilia Gruev won the ball high up the pitch.
Aaronson then conceded a late penalty for handball when attempting to block a Lewis Hall cross, which Guimaraes fired beyond Perri to make it 3-3. And after chances at either end, Barnes went and won it in the 13th minute of 10 added on.
YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth was at St James’ Park to watch the action. Here are his Leeds United player ratings...
1. GK: Lucas Perri
6 - Made a couple of big stops but was shaky in a couple of moments too and couldn't get a strong enough hand to the winner. Looked slow to react. May have been unsighted, mind. | Getty Images
2. RWB: James Justin
7 - Some very solid defending, even when he came under some pressure. So unlucky not to score. | Getty Images
3. CB: Joe Rodon
7 - Slotted back in pretty quickly. Got forward when he could down the right. Steady all night until cramp got him. | Getty Images
4. CB: Jaka Bijol
7 - Lots of big defensive moments and he was impressive on the ball. Helped cause problems at set-pieces. Couldn't clear at the end before Barnes scored. | Getty Images
5. CB: Pascal Struijk
6 - Unable to get a foot on the ball ahead of the first goal and came rushing for a couple of balls he didn't get, which caused issues. Some very nice passing. | Getty Images
6. LWB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
6 - A tricky night. Did lots of things right defensively but couldn't stop the supply of crosses from his side. Got up and down all night. | Getty Images