Newcastle United held to frustrating 2-2 draw against Leeds

Newcastle United were unable to defeat relegation-threatened Leeds United at Elland Road despite leading in the second half.

⏱ A point on the road.#LEENEW // #NUFC pic.twitter.com/VJ48bY8ET7

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) May 13, 2023

Luke Ayling gave the host an early lead in the 7th minute and all seemed to be going according to interim boss Sam Allardyce’s plans, when Leeds were rewarded with a penalty in the 28th minute.

However, Patrick Bamford’s kick was saved by Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope to the disappointment of the home crowd, which was thrown into desperation moments later, when Callum Wilson equalized from the spot himself.

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The Magpies took full control over the match from then onwards and their dominance was rewarded with another penalty in the 2nd half when, with the assistance of VAR, it was deemed that Julian Firpo handled the ball inside the box.

Up stepped Wilson and he slotted one calmly into the back of the net for his second of the game.

Leeds looked beaten up, but 11 minutes from time luck intervened as Rasmus Kristensen’s shot deflected in off Kieran Trippier’s head for an equalizer.

Later on, in stoppage time, the home team found themselves a man down after Firpo saw red, but that didn’t affect the score.

The result is a setback for Newcastle, who were aiming to pull away from their main competitors in the top 4 race – Manchester United and Liverpool. Leeds, on the other hand, will feel encouraged for their survival hopes.