Nick Woltemade was in the Elland Road stands to see the Magpies goalless daw with Leeds
Football content editor for Chronicle Live, Sunderland Live, Gazette Live, Leeds Live, Yorkshire Live and Hull Live. A North East native, he has been working in sports journalism since 1995. Stuart has worked on the Sunday Sun, Chronicle and the Journal since move from the Gateshead Post in 1999.
Nick Woltemade of Newcastle United pictured in the crowd at Elland Road
Nick Woltemade of Newcastle United pictured in the crowd at Elland Road
Newcastle United's frustrating start to the Premier League season continued with a goalless draw at Leeds United, in a game in which the Magpies failed to test home keeper Lucas Perri. Only Jacob Murphy brought a save from the new Whites shot-stopper as Newcastle again drew a blank.
Like at Aston Villa on the opening day, Newcastle were the better side for much of the match, using the ball well but failing to create clear-cut chances. Will Osula, starting in the Premier League for the first time due to Alexander Isak's absence and Anthony Gordon's suspension, saw a first-half effort blocked but for all the visitors' attractive build-up, there was little in the way of end product.
Indeed United were grateful to Nick Pope for denying Leeds sub Dominic Calvert-Lewin near the end, with a smart save from a low drive. The irony of the former Everton man getting a goal would have been too much to take after Newcastle decided not to follow up previous interest in the striker. Here are five things we learned tonight.
Woltemade sees why United wanted him so badly
If Nick Woltemade was under any illusions how important he will be to this side, then they were dispelled tonight, as the German watched the 90 minutes from the Elland Road stands.
The 23-year-old was signed too late to take part in the game, but at £65m comes with a hefty pricetag. However it was clear to see why Newcastle were so keen to bring him to Tyneside.
Particularly in the first half, crosses were flashed across the box with no one getting on the end them, or even causing Leeds defenders into a panicked moment.
The 6ft 6in Woltemade is not a traditional tall striker, but anyone centre forward would have loved to have been on the end of a series of crosses from Tino Livramento. His debut against Wolves can't come soon enough.
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Livramento's incredible engine
After a week when he was included in the England squad ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Waker, the United fullback put in another gut-busting display, initially down the left flank. Asked to push on as a wing-back, with Sven Botman added to make a back three, Livramento was superb throughout, especially in the first half.
His stepover to leave Jayden Bogle stranded was sublime, and it's just a shame there was no end product after several terrific runs down the wing. He switched back to his usual right-back once Lewis Hall came on, and Botman limped off, but he was United's stand-out man on the day.
Thomas Tuchel knows how good he is, but he was just served yet another reminder ahead of England's World Cup qualifiers.
Tino Livramento of Newcastle United runs with the ball while under pressure from Jayden Bogle of Leeds United
Tino Livramento of Newcastle United runs with the ball while under pressure from Jayden Bogle of Leeds United
Botman dilemma
Eddie Howe sprung a surprise by including Botman in the centre of a back three in a change of formation, as the Dutch star finally got his chance. To see him limping off late on was disappointing after an excellent display in the heart of the defence.
He took on the physical battle with Lukas Nmecha and was dominant in the first 45 minutes as he reminded everyone just how good he can be. It was perhaps no coincidence that Leeds had a couple of late openings after his withdrawal.
If he's fit for Wolves, the question is how Howe drops him after this performance. Fabian Schar ands Dan Burn have done nothing to warrant losing their place too . . . leaving something of a dilemma.
Bruno targeted
It's no secret that when Bruno Guimaraes is on song and pulling the strings, Newcastle are a better side. So it was no surprise to see Leeds target the United skipper throughout. Sean Longstaff and Ilia Gruev took it in turns to close down the Brazilian as soon as he got the ball.
He was afforded no space in dangerous areas, and began to give the ball away a little too often as the game wore on and limbs started to tire. Bruno was superb against Liverpool on Monday night, but was crowded out at Elland Road - it's almost like someone in the Leeds dressing room had insder information . . .
Pope stands firm
For all the frustration going forward, United recorded another clean sheet at Leeds, the third in their last six Premier League games. Nick Pope saw Aaron Ramsdale arrive in the summer and can be in no doubt that he has now has a serious rival for the No 1 spot.
However, while the former Burnley shot-stopper came under some criticism for the first goal against Liverpool last week, he stood tall when required at Elland Road. Largely a spectator for most of the match, he kept his concentration to deny Dominic Calvert-Lewin after the Leeds sub created space for a low shot late on.
Pope remains Howe's first choice and an assured performance like this are not likely to change his mind any time soon. Competition is always a good thing, and it appears to be keeping the Newcastle keeper on his toes.