Andy Gray speaking on beIN SPORTS, with Richard Keys in circular frame
Credit: Imago
Joe Elvin
Sun 31 August 2025 6:40, UK
Leeds drew 0-0 with Newcastle on Saturday in a match that was devoid of any real attacking quality.
Sean Longstaff had a tidy game in midfield for Leeds while Anton Stach showed his quality again, but Leeds were unable to penetrate their opponents’ defence for the second league game running. They’re yet to score from open play in the Premier League.
Lucas Perri made a couple of inspirational saves to deny Newcastle, but the truth is: they looked short of ideas in the final third as well.
While it wasn’t the most exciting game for the neutral, Leeds earned a point that could prove to be valuable come the end of the season.
Daniel Farke lookinLeeds United
Credit: Imago
Andy Gray apologises for boring game from Leeds and Newcastle
Andy Gray and Richard Keys were providing coverage of this match for beIN SPORTS, and the pair couldn’t help but agree that it was a tough watch.
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In fact, immediately after the game had finished, Gray went as far as apologising to the viewers for the poor level of entertain on display at Elland Road.
He said: “I’d like to take this moment to apologise to our viewers. I said it would get better in the second half… it didn’t. It was a poor game of football, I have to say. Poor in terms of quality and pretty much everything.”
Lukas Nmecha Leeds United
Credit: Imago
Leeds should sign a playmaker before summer transfer window closes
Daniel Farke should be credited for building a Leeds team with a solid spine during this transfer window.
He has signed, among others:
Lucas Perri in goal
Jaka Bijol in defence
Stach and Longstaff in centre-midfield
Calvert-Lewin up front.
These are all experienced players who are unlikely to make many mistakes and should provide a 7/10 performance most weeks. They will make Leeds strong and competitive against most Premier League teams.
However, they could still do with signing a creative midfielder who can unlock opponent defences at will.
Farke started with Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James on the wings against Newcastle. Farke replaced Gnonto and James with Jack Harrison and Brenden Aaronson after 60 minutes. None of these four made a significant impact on the game.
It’s unlikely these players will strike fear into many Premier League defences. A winger or two who can provide a more consistent goal threat could prove to the missing piece of the puzzle for Leeds in this transfer window.
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