Leeds United delivered a statement performance at Elland Road, sweeping aside Newcastle United to take their points tally to eight from their first four Premier League matches.
The Whites were rampant before half-time, finding the net three times in the opening 45 minutes at Elland Road for the first time in 25 years. The home crowd were treated to an outstanding display as Leeds took complete control of the contest.
Ao Tanaka got the ball rolling in the 32nd minute when his effort took a deflection and found its way into the net. Jayden Bogle then doubled the advantage before Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck just before half-time, sending Leeds into the interval with a commanding 3-0 lead.
There was no let-up after the restart, with Noah Okafor adding a fourth shortly before the hour mark to turn the victory into a rout and create a memorable atmosphere under the Elland Road lights.
Newcastle eventually found a consolation through Bazoumana Toure deep into stoppage time, but it was little more than a footnote on a spectacular night for Leeds. The late strike also meant James Trafford was denied a deserved clean sheet.
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Jamie Carragher admits Leed bullied Newcastle
The former Liverpool defender has conceded that Newcastle should not feel terrible as they were just beaten by a better and more physically dominant team at Elland Road.
He stressed that Leeds are at a different level to Newcastle physically at the moment and it was a harsh reality check for some of the young players in the Magpies team.
Carragher said on Sky Sports: “Leeds are fifth in the Premier League now since last December; they are a really good Premier League team.
“Newcastle should feel a bit better about that, but they will feel like they have just been beaten up with the whole world watching on Monday Night Football.
“Leeds are on a completely different level to Newcastle physically, and for the young player they have brought in, it was a lesson for them and their new manager.
“I think now the new Newcastle coaching staff will realise this season is not going to be easy. That was back to reality for them tonight; they were just beaten up.”
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How good are Leeds?
Leeds have their best players fit and firing and will soon see the return of Ilia Grueve to the squad from a knee injury. Joe Rodon is also expected to return before the end of December.
However, the squad do have a few holes. They do not have a striker close to the quality of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and look short of firepower.
If the former Everton man gets injured, Leeds may look toothless up front, and that is why it’s paramount that the 29-year-old is wrapped in cotton wool.
There are gaps in the squad that could get exposed later in the season, but for the moment, they look like a side that would hurt even the best teams in England.
