Calvert-Lewin stars but Botman struggles - player ratings for Leeds v Newcastle
September 14, 2026 20:54
Leeds United beat Newcastle United 4-1 at Elland Road, a result that moved Leeds up to third in the Premier League table. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was central to the victory, scoring twice — including a headed goal and a composed finish on the floor — while Ao Tanaka and Noah Okafor also found the net.
Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek produced several important stops that kept the scoreline more respectable, but the visitors were repeatedly exposed down one flank and struggled to contain Leeds’ attacking play.
KEY CONTEXT
- The match report notes Calvert-Lewin has a strong record against Newcastle, having now scored eight times versus them — more than he has against any other opponent.
- Some Leeds players were singled out for strong performances: Jayden Bogle and Noah Okafor received high marks for their attacking contributions; Tarik Muharemovic was mentioned as the club’s player of the month for August.
- Newcastle’s back line had a difficult evening: both Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman were judged to have been beaten for goals, and Amar Dedic had recovered from a hamstring issue to start.
WHY IT MATTERS
The result boosts Leeds up the table and underlines Calvert-Lewin’s ongoing influence in this fixture. For Newcastle, defensive lapses from senior defenders left them vulnerable and will raise questions about how they shore up that area going forward. Hornicek’s saves were a mitigating factor for Newcastle, suggesting the goalkeeper helped prevent an even heavier defeat.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Can Leeds maintain this form and the attacking combinations that produced four goals?
- Will Newcastle make defensive changes after a game in which Thiaw and Botman were highlighted as struggling?
- How will individuals identified as influential (Calvert-Lewin, Bogle, Okafor) impact their teams in upcoming matches?
KEY FACTS
- Final score: Leeds United 4–1 Newcastle United.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored twice and has eight goals versus Newcastle.
- Player ratings highlighted: Calvert-Lewin (9), Jayden Bogle (8), Noah Okafor (8), James Trafford (7).
- Newcastle defenders Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman were both rated 3; goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek was rated 6 after several key saves.
- Tarik Muharemovic named Leeds’ player of the month for August (mentioned in the report).