Newcastle fans furious with star’s ‘worst performance for the Magpies’ vs Leeds
Newcastle picked up a stunning late victory at St James’ Park on Wednesday as Harvey Barnes’ stoppage-time goal gave the Magpies a 4-3 win.
It looked as if the Magpies were going to suffer a shock defeat to Leeds when they went 3-2 down in the 79th minute.
However, a late comeback ensured that the three points were won, with Harvey Barnes netting a late 102nd-minute goal to claim the win.
The pressure on Eddie Howe at Newcastle seems to have been lifted, with the Magpies now sixth in the Premier League table, with multiple stars playing well.
However, the manager will not be impressed with the performance of Thiaw, with fans slamming the performance of the defender, who had a dire first half at St James’ Park.
YES, LADS! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/sPLpoVkoum
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 7, 2026
Malick Thiaw slammed by Newcastle fans for performance against Leeds
Thiaw has been one of Newcastle’s best players so far this season.
The centre-back has barely put a foot wrong since his arrival in the summer. However, against Leeds, his form completely collapsed.
Thiaw seemed incapable of defending. He conceded a late penalty in the first half and was perhaps fortunate not to be sent off, considering he was on a yellow card.
As a result, at half-time, he was hauled off by Howe, with supporters fuming at just how poor he was throughout the first half.
Absolutely awful first half, can barely keep the ball or put two passes together. The worst I’ve seen Thiaw play in a Newcastle shirt personally I’d replace him for the 2nd half #NUFC https://t.co/wCEX3ST22M
— Chris Robson (@Roppa1188) January 7, 2026
We really need to sub Thiaw at half time.
— Xraystan (@Xraystan) January 7, 2026
He’s having a generational stinker.
Thiaw has been diabolical. Take him off now.
— Geordie (@Geordie_85) January 7, 2026
Apart from Sunday felt thiaw has dropped off for quite some time 🤷♂️
— manna ✡️ (@nufcmanna) January 7, 2026
Many fans were quick to point out that this performance from Thiaw proves that he is not the elite centre-back many claimed that he was.
Thiaw having a nightmare of a game and he’s probably been our best player this season #newcastle
— Keith (@cestriankeef) January 7, 2026
Get Thiaw off the pitch, absolutely horror show and cost us the goal #NUFC
— Andrew Pyle (@PyleAndrew) January 7, 2026
Thiaw dropping the bad game that AC Milan fans warned us about.
— Sir Lee Ha (@MagpieLee) January 7, 2026
He should be replaced at HT and he will be back stronger #NEWLEE
How bad was Thiaw against Leeds?
According to Fotmob on 7 January, Thiaw was simply terrible against Leeds.
The defender made one error that led to a goal, and failed to win a single ground or aerial duel.
| Malick Thiaw’s stats vs Leeds | |
| Minutes | 45 |
| Penalties conceded | 1 |
| Errors that led to goals | 1 |
| Tackles | 0 |
| Aerial duels won | 0 |
| Ground duels won | 0 |
Therefore, there is no doubt that it was his worst performance for Newcastle to date.
Hopefully, this does not affect his displays going forward too much, as Thiaw’s form will be vital if Newcastle are to rekindle their European ambitions.
Howe will now need to do everything possible to ensure that the Leeds match was just a blip for the German international.