Premier League
Leeds United 2 (Ayling 7’, Kristensen 79’)
Newcastle United 2 (Wilson 31’ pen, 69’ pen)
Leeds: Robles (GK), Ayling (C), Firpo, Koch, Bamford (Struijk 90’), Harrison (Gnonto 64’), Rodrigo (Aaronson 87’), Kristensen, McKennie, Wober, Greenwood (Forshaw 45’). Subs not used: Meslier (GK), Roca, Summerville, Rutter, Gray.
Newcastle: Pope (GK), Trippier (C), Botman, Schar, Joelinton, Wilson (Saint-Maximin 72’), Isak, Almiron (Gordon 72’), Willock (Anderson 87’), Burn, Guimaraes. Subs not used: Dubravka, Dummett, Lewis, Targett, Manquillo, Murphy.
Venue: Elland Road
Attendance: 36,955
Referee: Simon Hooper
Booked: Firpo, Gnonto, Robles, Bamford (Leeds) Guimaraes, Wilson (Newcastle)
Sent-off: Firpo
Leeds United had to settle for a point at home to Newcastle United on Saturday lunchtime, taking the lead, then battling from behind in an end-to-end encounter.
Joel Robles started in goal for the second week running and Luke Ayling remained as captain, as Sam Allardyce made three changes to face the Magpies.
It was very even game at the start with Newcastle pressing hard, but Leeds defended well.
Allardyce’s side did break the deadlock in the seventh minute, with a superb opening goal at Elland Road.
Patrick Bamford put a good cross in the box which saw Rodrigo rise highest and head towards goal. Nick Pope saved the attempt but parried into the path of Ayling, who calmly slotted home with his left-foot.
The pressing play from Leeds was sharp but the Magpies kept knocking on the door against the defence of the home side. At the other end, the chances started coming for Leeds as they looked for a second.
The atmosphere was electric inside Elland Road as Leeds earned a penalty in the 28th minute, following a good run into the box from Junior Firpo. The full back was brought down by Joelinton, allowing referee Simon Hooper to point straight to the spot.
Patrick Bamford stepped up to take it, but Pope dived the right way, saving the penalty.
Just a few minutes later, Newcastle got a penalty at the other end. Despite Robles going the right way, Callum Wilson found the net from the spot in 31st minute and levelled the scores.
Newcastle had a spell in control of game after their equaliser, looking to keep possession. However, no further goals arrived before the interval and the teams went in level.
HALF TIME: Leeds United 1-1 Newcastle United
The second half began with Adam Forshaw coming on for Sam Greenwood, as Allardyce went to his bench at the break.
Leeds had the first chances of the second half, being roared on the ever-vocal support inside Elland Road.
The Whites came out like they did in the first half playing well, but Newcastle, chasing the three points themselves, also offered plenty in attacking moments.
With the game entering the final 20 minutes and both teams searching for a winner, VAR checked for hand ball against Firpo and Newcastle were awarded a second penalty of the game for a handball.
Wilson had the ball once more and stepped up to give Newcastle the lead, placing straight down the middle to make it 1-2 to his side.
Leeds wouldn’t be down after the goal and searched for a way back into the match, and found one in the 79th minute.
Introduced from the bench, Willy Gnonto crossed into the box. The visitors thought they had cleared the chance but Rasmus Kristensen smashed home a thunderous effort from outside the area to level the scores with 10 minutes to play.
After the goal, Leeds showed plenty of fight to try and win the game. Six minutes were added on at the end of the second half and with Leeds down to 10 players following a second yellow card for Firpo, they held on to claim the point.
FULL TIME: Leeds United 2-2 Newcastle United