Alan Shearer believes poor finishing helped Leeds United earn an important point at St James’ Park. The Whites kept their first clean sheet in 10 matches to frustrate one of the Premier League’s most in-form sides.
Ahead of the game, Newcastle United had won their previous six outings. However, a gritty Leeds performance prevented them from extending their impressive run of form.
Results elsewhere means the hard-fought draw gives the Whites a three-point cushion over the bottom three. Illan Meslier was called upon several times - especially in the second half - as Jesse Marsch’s men hung on.
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Newcastle had twice as many shots as Leeds but could not find their way through a resilient backline. Marsch will be looking to end a four-game winless run when West Ham travel to Elland Road on Wednesday.
Speaking to Match of the Day, Toon legend Shearer gave an honest reflection on the 0-0 draw. Skipper Lee Cooper was singled out for praise but the Magpies' finishing also came under fire.
"It was a combination today of really good goalkeeping, some good defending but also some poor finishing from Newcastle, particularly in the second half," Shearer said.
“It was one-way traffic in that in that second half, Leeds were hanging on. You’ve got to give them credit for that, Cooper defended really well. They (Newcastle) were creating chances, it will be a frustrating afternoon for Newcastle with the form they're in. But it's a really good point for Leeds.”
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