Hayden praises Newcastle’s togetherness and character in Leeds draw

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Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden has praised his teammates for fighting back against Leeds United at St. James’ Park in what could have become a very frosty atmosphere if the visitors went on to win the match.

Raphinha’s cross that eluded everyone including the returning Karl Darlow gave Marcelo Bielsa’s side the lead after 13 minutes which dampened an already disheartened Newcastle crowd.

But star man and saviour Allan Saint-Maximin came up trumps once again just before half-time to bring his side level.

Both sides had chances to win the game in the second half, but it finished 1-1, which meant both teams’ wait for their first Premier League win of the season continued.

Hayden sees positives

Isaac Hayden came out fighting after the last match against Manchester United where he admitted to making a mistake which allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to score.

But unlike last week and on many other occasions, Newcastle did not fold like a deck of cards when trailing. They came out fighting and took the game to Leeds.

Such fighting traits gave Hayden reasons to be positive and belief that the tide will turn for his side.

Posting on Twitter after the game, Hayden said: “Good togetherness from the lads after a difficult start to the game, showed good character after going behind, could have gone either way in the end.

“Not the win we need but positive parts to move forward with. Thank you for your support tonight.”

Sticking together crucial

With the discontent growing at St. James’ Park with every poor result and the pressure on Steve Bruce and Mike Ashley elevating, Hayden and the rest of the Newcastle players have got to focus on turning things around on the pitch.

Getting the first win of the season before the international break against either Watford or Wolverhampton Wanderers is crucial.

Both of those games come away from home.

If a win doesn’t materialise, then the atmosphere for the first game back at St. James’ Park after the October internationals against Tottenham Hotspur could hit new levels of toxic.