I like to wait until clubs and players come face-to-face with Newcastle United before I pass judgement on them — I have yet to form an opinion on such things as Bayern Munich and Lionel Messi — but I’m now ready to give you the Tifo Football breakdown of Marcelo Bielsa’s freewheeling side: They’re much better than Newcastle.
You might think you have a chance against Patrick Bamford, Jack Harrison and Mateusz Klich, but you don’t. They’ll hit you with 25 shots and drive Sean Longstaff’s transfer value down $10 million before you can even begin to contemplate how Miguel Almirón’s head plays such an active role in his running form.
The 24-year-old Harrison had his best day in the Premier League on Wednesday with an impressive assist and wonder goal. The former Wake Forest Demon Deacon and NYCFC winger did extremely well to control Rodrigo’s cross-field switch in the 61st minute, and he did even better to drill his cross back into the path of Rodrigo’s run.
Then, with Leeds having turned the screw, Harrison made it 5-2 in the 88th-minute with a brilliant solo goal.
Jack Harrison Goal vs Newcastle
Here’s the stat that does a great job of demonstrating the joy of Leeds United.
There have been 5 instances of a team having 25+ shots in a PL game this season, 3 times by @LUFC – 27 v Aston Villa (Oct 23), 25 v Newcastle (tonight) & 25 v Arsenal (Nov 22) pic.twitter.com/TfHRbOPifB
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) December 16, 2020
The win took Leeds above Newcastle and into 13th while the Toon dropped to 14th. Bielsa’s team returns on Sunday against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Newcastle hosts Fulham on Saturday.