Leeds United 2 Newcastle FC 2. Fighting spirit. Leeds earned a draw but it may be too little too late. Missing a penalty and then giving away two penalties – Leeds missed a chance of all three points. To cap off a dreadful game Firpo is sent off.
This was a must win game to climb out of the relegation zone. But Sam Allardyce has said he would be happy with a point. Allardyce made more tweaks to take on Newcastle FC, third in the table. Bamford and Rodrigo started. Greenwood returned with free kick duty.
It was a feisty game with Leeds pressing Newcastle FC making it difficult for them to settle. Leeds United committed many fouls getting tight on Newcastle FC. Newcastle dominated possession with one-touch repeatedly passing in to the leeds penalty box: Leeds United defended well stopping Newcastle from scoring from open play.
Leeds United started brightly with a goal from their first shot on seven minutes. A well worked cross found Rodrigo’s head it on goal but Pope could only parry it for Ayling to get behind the Newcastle defence and tap into the net.
Over the space of a mad few minutes Firpo won a penalty with his pace. When Bamford stepped up I thought this was not a good idea with the mixed form he is in. His weak shot was easily saved. Three minutes later wober was in the action at the other end slipping and causing a penalty for Newcastle.
From potentially being 2-0 up Leeds United were now drawing. Otherwise the defence had held up and they ended the first half with more shots on goal.
The end of the second half ended with Ayling complaining that he had put the ball out of play for a Newcastle FC player to get treatment but they instantly played a throw-in – the referee knew what Ayling thought of that.
Second Half Second Card
Leeds United came out more positive in the second half passing more confidently getting into the box. When Gnonto was brought the fans sang his praise.
But then Firpo continued his reign of anarchy, falling over in the penalty box with his arms in the air to hit the ball. Gnonto and Robles both were yellow carded in the run up to the penalty. Leeds United went 2-1 down – Allardyce said it would be difficult for the players mentally if they went a goal down.
But Leeds United fought back with an equalizer. Gnonto took Leeds’ only second corner lobbing into the box. After a melee Kristenson picked up the loose ball and carefully planted it into the net via a Trippier knock.
Leeds United then played their best possession football until Firpo almost caused another penalty and finally earned his second card and was sent off. Apart from earning the penalty he had had an awful match. Hopefully his lack of professionalism will see him kept out of the team.
It’s disappointing we drew. If we can cut out the needless penalties our defence can claim that elusive clean sheet. The last action of the match was a fan loose trying to get to Eddie Howe.
The good: Rodrigo. The bad: Bamford. The ugly: Firpo
