Newcastle snatch point as fans turn on Steve Bruce

In mitigation, Leeds were missing three of their four centre-backs. What Newcastle’s excuse was for such regular dereliction of defensive duties, goodness only knows.

Leeds United’s Liam Cooper (left) and Newcastle United’s Allan Saint-Maximin battle for the ball during the Premier League match at St James’ Park.Picture: Owen Humphreys/PA

Newcastle 1 Leeds 1

How the scoreline failed to emulate something more akin to the outcome of a basketball match will remain one of this season’s enduring mysteries. There was no case for either defence at St James’ Park.