Newcastle United vs. Leeds United: 6 Things We Learned
Newcastle United progressed to the last 16 of the League Cup on Wednesday night with a 2-0 victory over Championship side Leeds United at St. James’ Park.
A goal in each half saw the Magpies through. They will now face a home tie against Manchester City in the next round of the competition.
Papiss Cisse scored his first goal of the season after a half-hour, while Yoan Gouffran netted his second in three games with a fine effort on 67 minutes.
There were some standout performers for Alan Pardew’s men on the night, and as the Toon turn their attention to the fourth round, we take a look at six things we learned from their triumph over the Yorkshiremen.
Sammy Ameobi Has a Big Part to Play This Season
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Much was expected of Sammy Ameobi before a ball was kicked this season. So far, in just two starts in the League Cup, the 21-year-old hasn’t disappointed.
The younger brother of Shola Ameobi followed up his goalscoring exploits in the second round at Morecambe with an eye-catching display against Leeds. He was a constant threat.
His cross for Papiss Cisse’s goal was delivered with pinpoint accuracy, and the England Under-21 star also created Newcastle’s all-important second after the break.
The visitors struggled to contain the young Geordie, and a few more performances like this will give Alan Pardew a much-welcomed selection headache.
Paul Dummett Can Hold His Own in the First Team
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Another youngster who impressed against Leeds was left-back Paul Dummett. The 21-year-old played a big part in Newcastle’s fourth clean sheet of the season.
With Italian Davide Santon rested for the visit of Brian McDermott’s men, Dummett grabbed his chance with both hands and rarely looked out of his depth.
His vision played in Sammy Ameobi after 30 minutes, whose subsequent cross led to Papiss Cisse’s opener.
And with games coming thick and fast, Alan Pardew will take comfort in the fact that the Welsh Under-21 international can offer reliable cover in the months ahead.
Yoan Gouffran’s Confidence Is on the Rise
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A couple of missed sitters at the start of the season almost threatened to derail Yoan Gouffran’s campaign, but since scoring the winner against Aston Villa 11 days ago, the Frenchman has had a noticeable spring in his step.
His goal against Leeds was a real opportunist’s strike, and his right-footed effort gave keeper Paddy Kenny absolutely no chance.
With Loic Remy and Hatem Ben Arfa rested against the Yorkshiremen, Gouffran used his place in the starting XI to his advantage. He proved his worth as an attacking outlet once more.
Leeds United Are a Big Miss in the Premier League
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They may have been absent from the Premier League for a number of years now, but that didn’t stop Leeds United from taking almost 6,000 fans to St. James’ Park on Wednesday night.
Though their team were eventually beaten, the travelling support never stopped throughout the entire 90 minutes. Their noise and passion created an electric atmosphere.
Such a vocal following is a rare thing in England’s top flight these days, and their vociferous backing was a welcome addition to what could have been an otherwise subdued evening.
Papiss Cisse Still Knows How to Find the Back of the Net
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It’s been five months in the making, but finally Papiss Cisse found the back of the net on Wednesday—and it was a goal of simplistic brilliance.
The Senegalese striker hadn’t scored since April, when his second-half effort wasn’t enough to stop the Magpies from crashing out of the Europa League against Benfica.
But when Sammy Ameobi sent over the perfect cross against Leeds United, the 28-year-old was on hand to end his personal drought and send Newcastle on their way to the next round with an emphatic header.
The goal should do the forward the world of good. All eyes will now be on Monday’s trip to Everton to see if the Toon’s No. 9 can repeat the feat.
Vurnon Anita Goes from Strength to Strength
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Not for the first time this season, Dutchman Vurnon Anita was a picture of calm in the centre for Newcastle.
Played alongside Cheick Tiote, the former Ajax man produced an unruffled display and helped his teammates with some precision passing throughout.
Monday’s game at Everton will hand Alan Pardew a selection dilemma, with Yohan Cabaye and Moussa Sissoko both expected to slot back in to the Magpies’ starting XI.
But after his performances so far this term, Anita is quickly moulding himself into a key component in United’s engine room.
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