Leeds United climbed to the dizzy heights of third place in the Premier League, after they ran riot against Newcastle United at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke’s side effectively had the three points in the bag at half-time, when they led 3-0 thanks to goals Jayden Bogle and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, after Lewis Miley’s bizarre own-goal.
Noah Okafor made absolutely certain when he added a fourth goal in the second half, while Bazoumana Traore’s last-gasp strike provided the merest of consolations for Newcastle.
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Leeds continue unbeaten start
For only the fourth time in their history, Leeds have avoided defeat in each of their opening four matches in a Premier League season. The last time they did that in 2001/02, they topped the table under David O’Leary.
They’re not far off this time around, with Monday’s victory lifting them to third place with eight points from four games.
Leeds ran riot during the opening 45 minutes, scoring three times in the first half of a Premier League match at Elland Road for the first time since netting five against Bradford City in May 2001.
The Whites had won all 57 of their previous top-flight games when leading by 3+ goals, and they were never going to relent when Okafor added a fourth in the second half.
That’s now just one defeat in 13 Premier League games for Leeds, who have certainly built on the momentum of their strong finish to last term.
Home comforts continue for Calvert-Lewin
Calvert-Lewin has now scored in his last five Premier League games at Elland Road. He’s only the second player to achieve that feat, 23 years after Mark Viduka found the net in six successive home matches.
The striker would always have fancied his chances against his favourite opponent, who he’s now scored nine times against in the top flight.
He had to wait, though, after Bogle just about beat him to the header for Leeds’ second goal. Nevertheless, Calvert-Lewin made amends, as he continues to shine at Elland Road.
That’s now 10 Premier League home goals since the start of last season, a tally only bettered by Erling Haaland (16) and Igor Thiago (13).
Magpies midfield inexperience proves costly
One of the key areas where the game was won on Monday was in the middle of the park, where Leeds were vastly more experienced than their opponents.
Indeed, Stach, Tanaka and Ampadu found themselves up against 20-year-old Miley and 24-year-old Nico Gonzalez.
Although, the combined age was lowered when the latter was forced off early, and replaced by 18-year-old Sean Steur.
Stach created the most chances throughout the contest (three), while Ampadu and Tanaka led the way with a passing accuracy of over 90%.
Tanaka’s shot also led to the opening goal, which took two deflections to wrongfoot Lukas Hornicek. He and Ampadu won a joint-high four duels among midfielders, while Ampadu and Stach made a joint-high two interceptions during the contest.