A point against a side in the Champions League will have gone down well with Daniel Farke after two very poor results for Leeds United, as Leeds and Newcastle United played out a goalless draw.
After a 5-0 hammering by Arsenal at The Emirates and a shock defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night in The Carabao Cup, Leeds needed a result to restore some pride ahead of the September break.
They did that, and then some. Leeds fans will have attended Elland Road with some trepidation following the last two results, but a second clean sheet in two Premier League games at home has gone down well.
Leeds could have easily won the game, too. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came close, while Willy Gnonto and Dan James threatened. Four points from three tricky league games and Farke can be pleased, so far.
Sean Longstaff posts on Instagram after first Elland Road start
It was written in the stars. Sean Longstaff’s first Premier League start for Leeds, and first Elland Road start, would come against his boyhood club Newcastle. The side he left in the summer to move to Yorkshire.
But Longstaff showed no signs of allegiance to Newcastle, or emotion. He was superb, Longstaff picking up the man of the match award. Tackles, aggression, passing, intelligence and lung-busting stamina.
The £15m star posted on Instagram after the draw against his old teammates: “Great fight from the lads at Elland Road. Brilliant to see so many familiar faces and appreciate the support from everyone today.”
Newcastle duo send messages to Sean Longstaff on Instagram
Despite being enemies for the day, Newcastle’s players still hold Longstaff in high regard despite his move to Elland Road this summer. It is clear that Newcastle’s players are hoping the midfielder does well.
Tino Livramento, who started for Newcastle and Joe Willock, an unused sub, both commented on the midfielder’s Instagram. Willock said he was “so happy” for Longstaff and both shared their “love” for him.
Largie Ramazani, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Gabriel Gudmundsson also commented on Longstaff’s post, with the midfielder’s performance clearly leaving many fans and players alike impressed on Saturday.
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