Back in Tyne: Five memorable victories at Leeds

Solano’s last-gasp winner in seven-goal thriller (2001/02)

The Magpies fought back from two goals down to seal a dramatic 4-3 win against the Whites, with Nolberto Solano netting a stoppage-time winner for Sir Bobby Robson’s side.

Following an impressive 3-1 away win at Arsenal, Craig Bellamy broke the deadlock for the visitors at Elland Road before Lee Bowyer, who would sign for the Magpies in 2003, levelled 60 seconds later.

Mark Viduka, another player who would sign for Newcastle during his career, gave Leeds the lead before defender Ian Harte doubled the Peacocks’ advantage as they looked set to replace the Magpies at the summit of the Premiership.

However, after Robbie Elliott’s header halved the deficit towards the hour-mark, Alan Shearer netted his second successive league penalty, after scoring against the Gunners at Highbury, before Solano cooly slotted home the winner in the dying stages, sealing an impressive comeback and a fourth out of five successive top-flight wins.

 

Gayle’s brace puts United on cloud nine (2016/17)

Dwight Gayle netted twice to seal an ninth successive win in all competitions for the Magpies and move five points clear at the top of the Championship in November 2016.

Before the league clash, fans held a respectful minute's applause on the 11th minute to mark the anniversary of the tragic death of midfielder Gary Speed, who played for both clubs.

Gayle opened the scoring midway through the first-half after the striker pounced on a goalkeeping error from Rob Green to score from point-blank range.

Shortly after the restart, the forward, who joined from Crystal Palace the previous summer, got onto the end of Vurnon Anita’s inviting cross following a sharp team move to double the Magpies’ advantage and register his 13th league goal.

 

Dyer at the double (2002/03)

Kieron Dyer scored his first Premier League goals of the season as Newcastle defeated Leeds 3-0, securing a sixth win of an nine-game unbeaten run.

The midfielder broke the deadlock after latching onto Alan Shearer’s deft flick before smashing home as the Leeds defence were exposed once again, with Dyer taking advantage of a hesitant Michael Duberry and firing home.

Newcastle, who had signed defender Jonathan Woodgate a month earlier, added a third through Shearer as the Magpies skipper headed home from Laurent Robert’s curling free-kick.

 

Better Call Sol (2000/01)

Newcastle recovered from an early setback to claim a 3-1 win in January 2001, with Nolberto Solano starring in the Premiership encounter.

The two sides had faced each other 25 days earlier, on Boxing Day at St. James’ Park, with Solano and Clárence Acuña netting in a 2-1 triumph.

After Robbie Keane netted for the Whites inside 120 seconds, the Magpies responded in quick fashion through Solano’s fourth-minute penalty before Acuña’s delicate chip gave the visitors the lead on the stroke of half-time.

Shola Ameobi doubled Newcastle’s lead in the closing stages after drilling the ball home from Solano’s knock-down to seal back-to-back 3-1 wins after beating Coventry City by the same scoreline at St. James’ Park a week prior.

 

Gillespie’s winner maintains title hopes (1995/96)

Keith Gillespie netted the only goal as Newcastle edged out a 1-0 win against Leeds in April 1996 to maintain their push for the Premier League title.

After David Ginola’s corner was nodded into Gillespie’s path by Les Ferdinand, the former Manchester United winger was on hand to head home from inside the penalty area.

Following the away victory in West Yorkshire, the game would be largely remembered for the post-match reaction of Magpies manager Kevin Keegan after his famous ‘I would love it if we beat them’ rant.

Newcastle ultimately missed out on a first Premier League trophy as the Magpies were narrowly pipped by Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United.