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 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 relegation 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.

Shelvey said afterwards: "Massive. We knew we had to come and win today as Norwich won last night. Credit to the lads.

"I knew I had to go across goal. I think the keeper gave it a bit of help but a goal is a goal and I'll take it.

"This is a difficult place to come and play football because Leeds are constantly on the move but everyone battled for the shirt.

"We have been working to see games out, we know we can create chances and score goals so it was just about seeing games out."