Leeds United 0-1 Newcastle United: Shelvey strikes winner at Elland Road

Newcastle earned a massive victory at Leeds in their fight to avoid relegation thanks to Jonjo Shelvey's 20-yard free-kick.

Eddie Howe's side had only won once all season prior to this energetic and tempestuous encounter where both sides struggled to make the most of first-half chances.

But after Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka saved Dan James' point-blank shot and Illan Meslier palmed Shelvey's volley away, the visitors finally found a breakthrough.

The 75th-minute goal came from a brilliant run by substitute Javier Manquillo, who was brought down on the edge of the box.

Shelvey stepped up and fired past Meslier, who perhaps should have done better, given the ball went in on his side of the goal.

Leeds had earlier wasted a great chance through Jack Harrison, whose goal-bound shot was well-blocked by Fabian Schar.

It proved a turning point as Newcastle held on, despite dropping 21 points from winning positions already this season.

After Norwich's win over Watford, Howe's side failed to exit the bottom three, but such a victory could prove transformative to their survival hopes ahead of a two-week break where the team will travel to Saudi Arabia for a training trip.

For Leeds, it ended successive league victories and they paid for their profligacy in the absence of injured striker Patrick Bamford.

The significance of Shelvey's goal and the three points for Newcastle cannot be underestimated in the context of what has been a difficult season for the visitors.

Following the club's October takeover by new Saudi owners, it was hoped a poor start could be eliminated once Howe was appointed as the new manager.

Further hope came when they entered the transfer window as Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood joined the club. But a