Tanaka preparation, 20-goal prediction and Geordie Shore verdict in Leeds off-camera moments v Newcastle | OneFootball

Leeds United climbed to third with a commanding 4-1 win over Newcastle at Elland Road on Monday. Three goals in 14 first-half minutes set the tone for Daniel Farke’s dominant side.

Ao Tanaka’s resurgence continued as he controlled midfield against the press with energy and composure. His double-deflected effort opened the scoring, though it went down as an own goal.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin led the line superbly, bullying Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw, a £65m pairing, and linking play crisply. He has been keen to claim Jayden Bogle’s strike as his, and England chatter has resurfaced.

Botman endured a bruising night, beaten in the air for Leeds’ second and turned too easily for the third.

Pre-match colour included drenched staff wrestling a Premier League flag with the sprinklers, and a mascot predicting 10-10. Tanaka warmed up with high kick-ups and shoulder checks, then stayed out for extra shooting.

Ethan Ampadu, on his birthday, drew warm applause near the Kop after shooting practice and high-fived every starter. In the 11th minute both sets of fans united for a Gary Speed chant, the midfielder made 597 appearances for the clubs.

At 3-0, Calvert-Lewin eyed the angry away end after a knee-slide. Farke headed straight down the tunnel at half-time.

Post-match, the referee told Calvert-Lewin his header had nicked off and belonged to Bogle, the striker joked it would be appealed. The manager later spoke with Ampadu and Justin, with irritation at losing the clean sheet, before a Disney-like Happy Birthday rang out for Ampadu, who turned 26.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk

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