Newcastle’s Martin Dubravka proved a lot of people wrong against Leeds

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Martin Dubravka played a key role as Newcastle United beat Leeds on Saturday.

It was essential that the Magpies got at least a point at Elland Road. Thankfully, they headed home with all three with Jonjo Shelvey netting a 75th minute winner.

It wasn’t a vintage performance from Eddie Howe’s side, but they showed fight and desire to earn what could be a pivotal win.

It was just our second win of the season, and it was also our second clean sheet of the season. That could be incredibly important, especially given how porous our defence has looked throughout the campaign.

Questions have been asked of our defenders, and there have also been some uncharacteristic performances from Dubravka. But he was one of many Toon players to stand up and be counted on Saturday.

A deserved clean sheet for Martin Dubravka

Before Saturday, Dubravka’s last clean sheet was on December 4th when we beat Burnley 1-0. Since then, he’s conceded 14 goals in six games.

Averaging two goals against you a game is certainly worrying, but Newcastle bucked that trend away at Leeds.

Like many Toon players, Dubravka’s form since returning from injury hasn’t been great. In the past he’s been one of our most reliable players, saving us countless times with outstanding saves.

But that hasn’t really been the case this season. He hasn’t been his usual commanding presence.

However, that appeared to change at Elland Road. Dubravka made some vital saves, including one in the first half to deny Dan James at a time where we were really under the cosh.

There have been reports that Newcastle are looking for a new goalkeeper. But if the 33-year-old can build on this performance then there’ll be no need for a new arrival in between the sticks.