Leeds United produced a dominant 4-1 victory over Newcastle United on Monday to climb into third place in the Premier League and hand Matthias Jaissle his first defeat as Magpies boss.
Lewis Miley’s own goal opened the floodgates at Elland Road before Jayden Bogle, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor completed a commanding victory for Daniel Farke’s side.
Newcastle had made an encouraging start under Jaissle following a turbulent summer that saw Eddie Howe depart, while key players Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali also left the club.
However, their youthful squad struggled against a more experienced Leeds side.
“It was clear from the start and I said that many times that we will have ups and downs, challenges along the way,” Jaissle said. “We faced that challenge and it’s tough, it’s really tough.”
Newcastle’s difficult evening began inside 20 minutes when Nico Gonzalez was forced off and replaced under the concussion protocol.
With 18-year-old Sean Steur and 20-year-old Miley forming the midfield partnership, the visitors were exposed as Miley unfortunately turned the ball into his own net.
Ao Tanaka’s effort took two deflections before looping into the net, with Miley getting the final touch.
Leeds doubled their advantage just two minutes later.
Calvert-Lewin rose highest to meet James Justin’s cross, but his header flicked off Bogle and found the bottom corner, with the goal awarded to the Leeds right-back.
Calvert-Lewin then got his own name on the scoresheet, extending his remarkable run of scoring in five consecutive league matches at Elland Road.
The Leeds striker powered past Sven Botman before sliding the ball underneath goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek.
Anton Stach missed a chance to make it four early in the second half after intercepting a loose pass from Hornicek, but his attempted dink drifted wide.
Okafor eventually added the fourth before the hour mark, volleying home from the edge of the box after Newcastle failed to clear a long throw.
“Perfect start right now with eight points, terrific performance,” Farke said. “Energy, quality and good structure in and without possession.”
Newcastle managed a consolation in stoppage time when Bazoumana Toure found the net, but the result had long been decided.
The victory moves Leeds to third with eight points, behind only defending champions Arsenal and Manchester City.
Newcastle remain on five points and have dropped to 12th after their heavy defeat left them with a negative goal difference.
