Newcastle winning run comes to an end with Leeds draw

Newcastle United missed the chance to close the gap to leaders Arsenal at the top of the Premier League after they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Leeds on Saturday.

Looking for their seventh successive league win against Leeds, Newcastle struggled to create clear openings in the first half, New Zealand striker Chris Wood going closest for the hosts.

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Wood was again presented with a golden chance early in the second half, but was thwarted by a fine save from Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier, before Sean Longstaff fired over when put through on goal.

Chances continued to come and go for Newcastle, but they were unable to find a late winner despite creating plenty of pressure, leaving the hosts provisionally third in the standings, two points ahead of Manchester United in fourth.

Leeds move up to 14th with the draw.

Newcastle have played out more goalless draws than any other side in the Premier League this season, with coach Eddie Howe ruing a missed opportunity.

"The desire was there, the quality was there, but the finishing wasn't there," Howe told the BBC. "We had a number of opportunities that normally we take.

"We paid the price for that in terms of the results. We had the chances and on another day we score at least a couple of those. Then we became more desperate and it just didn't happen."

The point was a welcome one for Leeds, who have won four points from their last three away league games, as many as in their previous seven on the road.

"We talked a lot during the World Cup break about defending better, both with our tactics and our mentality," coach Jesse Marsch said.

"It wasn't the best performance from us but I think it is a tough place to play in against a good team and to come away with a clean sheet is a major positive for us."