Leeds United earned a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in a frantic encounter that had ramifications at both ends of the Premier League table, as the Magpies continued their unbeaten record in away matches against sides placed ninth or below.There was a blistering intensity from the off at an already raucous Elland Road, and the atmosphere went up another notch when Luke Ayling marked his 250th Leeds game with a vital goal just seven minutes in, as the right-back was quickest to react after Nick Pope had done brilliantly to save Rodrigo’s initial header. Having established their lead, Sam Allardyce’s side defended resolutely to frustrate the Magpies, who failed to test Joel Robles at all in the opening 25 minutes.It looked like that frustration would be further compounded when Joelinton clumsily brought down Junior Firpo before the half-hour, but Pope outfoxed Patrick Bamford to convincingly save the striker’s penalty. Moments later, Maximilian Wöber wiped out Alexander Isak to concede a spot-kick at the other end, and Callum Wilson made no mistake in his best-ever goalscoring season in the Premier League to leave the home crowd stunned.The game’s all-action nature continued into the second half, but Rasmus Kristensen made a timely block to deny Wilson before Rodrigo cleared Fabian Schär’s header off the line as Leeds continued to battle for their Premier League lives. However, having won the Whites’ penalty in the first half, Firpo conceded one after a bizarre handball, allowing Wilson to send his penalty down the middle past the diving Robles for his 10th goal in nine games to give Newcastle the lead.Refusing to give up, Leeds found a leveller when Kristensen’s effort deflected in off Kieran Trippier (the Englishman previously gave out an unnecessary corner to the hosts), earning what could be a decisive point despite Firpo being shown a second yellow late on. That can offer Allardyce encouragement, even though his side is now winless in seven and is still in the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Newcastle recorded their first draw in 13 to remain well-placed in third, as they look to secure UEFA Champions League group-stage football for the first time since 2002/03.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 36Saturday Leeds – Newcastle 2-2 (1-1)/Ayling 7, Trippier 79 og – Wilson 31 pen, 69 pen/17.00: (2.45) Aston Villa (3.50) Tottenham (3.05)17.00: (1.40) Man.Utd. (4.70) Wolverhampton (8.16)17.00: (1.53) Chelsea (4.10) Nott.Forest (6.63)17.00: (1.95) Crystal Palace (3.60) Bournemouth (4.28)17.00: (2.90) Southampton (3.45) Fulham (2.60)Sunday 16.00: (9.00) Everton (5.00) Man.City (1.43)16.00: (2.11) Brentford (3.50) West Ham (3.90)18.30: (1.80) Arsenal (3.70) Brighton (4.49)Monday22.00: (5.40) Leicester (4.00) Liverpool (1.65)***odds are subject to change***
