Leeds 0 Newcastle 2: What we learnt from Newcastle’s clinical victory over Leeds United
NEWCASTLE extended their lead at the top of the Championship with a clinical 2-0 win over in-form Leeds at a packed Elland Road.
Dwight Gayle scored twice either side of half time - the first capitalising on Leeds keeper Rob Green's clanger - to ensure Rafa Benitez's side won their eighth Championship game in a row.
Here SunSport looks at five things we have learnt from the match...
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Rob Green loves a clanger
Former England international Green has made 20 errors leading to goals since Aug 2012, which is five more than any other keeper in the top two English leagues.
That stat says it all from a keeper who also makes some stunning saves - but from the innocuous for QPR to the famous howler against the USA in the World Cup 2010, he keeps on making mistakes.
From Jack Colback's long punt, anyone's smart money would've been to tip it over the bar - but instead he palmed it down into the path of Dwight Gayle, who made no mistake for Toon's opener.
It's not just Newcastle's lethal attack that is on song
A lot is made of Gayle, Matt Ritchie and Aleksandar Mitrovic and their prowess as Newcastle storm ahead in the Championship - but their defence withstood pressure too expertly.
At the start of the second half, Leeds pushed on and had a number of chances, but the likes of Jamaal Lascalles and Ciaran Clark at the heart of the defence and Karl Darlow in goal held firm - which is why they have only conceded three goals in seven league games.
Dwight Gayle is a cut above
This can be said for most of Rafa Benitez's squad, from Ritchie, to Ayoze Perez and Jonjo Shelvey - all Premier League quality stars.
But Gayle, with his anticipation, pace and finishing is a cut above other strikers in this league - and he does it all with a quiet, but effective ruthlessness.
Even though he was punched unconscious on a night out in the week, he returned to fire both goals for Toon today.
Garry Monk has a lot of work to do
Leeds are doing excellently under the former Swansea man, who seems to have been given some time for once by erratic owner Massimo Cellino.
A run of four wins our of five was halted today, but they still sit just outside the playoffs - impressive for a side who have not troubled the Championship promotion pack in recent seasons.
But Monk's side did not have the quality today to break Newcastle down, and the Toon were happy to sit back, soak up and strike when it mattered.
It was a reality check for Monk, but he should not be disheartened if he can get his players to strike in the critical moments.
Newcastle have one foot in the Premier League
Rafa Benitez is closing on Newcastle's record win sequence of 13 under Kevin Keegan in the 1990's - and not many would bet against them to continue.
Despite their opening day defeat to Fulham, they have gone on to dominate teams from all parts of the league with a quality team and their traditionally magnificent fan base.
Not to mention Benitez himself, who has managed the biggest clubs in the world and won the Champions League with Liverpool.
Getting him to stay on to manage in the second tier was a master stroke and he has his side already realistically looking at Premier League football before Christmas.