Pressure mounts on Steve Bruce as Leeds beat Newcastle 2-1

Goals from Raphinha and Jack Harrison fired Leeds back to winning ways as an improved Newcastle fell short of easing the pressure on Steve Bruce in a 2-1 defeat at St James’ Park.

Raphinha’s third goal of the season gave Leeds a deserved lead at the break after a dominant first half, but a drastically improved Newcastle levelled 12 minutes after the restart through Miguel Almiron.

Parity lasted just four minutes, with Jack Harrison restoring Leeds’ advantage with a brilliantly-taken second, and that was enough to see Marcelo Bielsa’s side arrest a three-game losing streak and secure a first league double over Newcastle since 1976.

There was to be no relief for under-fire Magpies boss Bruce as the woodwork denied Jamal Lewis and Jamaal Lascelles from snatching a late point, as Newcastle went an 11th game without a win, but there were positives to be taken from the late surge for an equaliser which fell agonisingly short.

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Newcastle travel to Everton on Saturday while  Leeds keep a date with  Leicester on Sunday

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