'Tireless': Eddie Howe lauds one Newcastle player for giving his team the 'platform' to win at Leeds today

By Lee Connor

Newcastle United picked up a vital win this afternoon as they managed to see off Leeds United at Elland Road thanks to a Jonjo Shelvey goal.

The Magpies hung in there against a patched up Leeds side to ride their luck at times but ultimately, deservedly come away from Elland Road with all three points.

Manager Eddie Howe once again picked his two new signings, Chris Wood and Kieran Trippier, while Joelinton once again did a fine job in the middle of the park for the Mags. All in all, there were some fine performances from the Newcastle squad and it’s a performance they’ll need to replicate more in the coming months.

And speaking after the game, Newcastle boss Howe reserved special praise for a couple of players, including his latest signing, Chris Wood.

“Martin Dubravka played really well today. He made the save, commanded his box, took crosses. I thought our second half performance was really, really good. Chris Wood also gave us a platform as well from the central position. His workrate was tireless,” Howe told BBC Sport after the game.

The win moved Newcastle to within a point of Norwich, who won at Watford last night. Everton are also within touching distance of the Magpies, after losing to Aston Villa today.

TBR’s View: Wood Will Prove Inspired Newcastle Signing

Ultimately, Chris Wood was signed for days like today. Backs to the wall at times and battling for three points. It’s what Wood is used to at Burnley and he was excellent today as Howe said.

The goals will, of course, need to follow as well. But if Newcastle can stay up and Wood can keep performing as he is, then it won’t matter who gets the goals really.

After raising eyebrows for paying £25m for Wood, it does seem it is a signing that could pay off for the club.