Leeds United's goalkeeper Illan Meslier (left) clashes with Newcastle United's Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes (second right) during the English Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leeds United at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on December 31, 2022. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP)
Newcastle: Newcastle United missed the chance to close the gap to leaders Arsenal at the top of the Premier League after they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Leeds United on Saturday.
Looking for their seventh successive league win against Leeds, Newcastle struggled to create clear openings in the first half, New Zealand striker Chris Wood going closest for the hosts.
Wood was again presented with a golden chance early in the second half, but was thwarted by a fine save from Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier, before Sean Longstaff fired over when put through on goal.
Chances continued to come and go for Newcastle, but they were unable to find a late winner despite creating plenty of pressure, leaving the hosts provisionally third in the standings, two points ahead of Manchester United in fourth. Leeds move up to 14th with the draw.