The trajectory of Leeds United and Newcastle since their last meeting back in January could not be any different. The Whites are set to round off 2022 with a trip to St James' Park with the difference in class between the two sides now stark in comparison to the start of the year.
In fact, that game can now widely be regarded as the result which kicked started Newcastle's resurgence. Leeds sat 15th in the table and had the opportunity to open up a 13 point gap to their opponents, who were 19th and still only on one win for the season.
Marcelo Bielsa's side largely dominated throughout the 90 minutes, creating and missing a number of opportunities with Daniel James particularly guilty. But Leeds were made to pay for their missed chances and a rather fortuitous late free-kick from Jonjo Shelvey - that Illan Meslier perhaps should've done better with - saw the visitors return to the Northeast with a 1-0 win.
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Four months later, Newcastle ended up finishing 11th, 11 points clear of Leeds, who were handed a huge favour by the Magpies on the final day to secure survival by the skin of their teeth. The progression hasn't stopped there either, as Eddie Howe's side are now in contention to finish in the Champions League places.
They sit third in the table on 33 points heading into the game, 18 ahead of Leeds, who are once again embroiled in a relegation battle. To sum up the difference between the sides since January 22, Leeds have picked up 31 points in their 31 Premier League matches, while Newcastle have accumulated over double with 67 from 33.
Leeds can really use the Magpies as an example of what both smart investment, and high quality coaching can bring to a side.
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