Newcastle snatch a draw at Leeds with two Wilson spot-kicks after Ayling’s early opener. Leeds fight back with a lucky Kristensen goal but end with 10 men as Firpo sees red.
Leeds got off to a flying start when they took the lead in the seventh minute through Luke Ayling, who pounced on the rebound after Nick Pope had denied Rodrigo’s header from Patrick Bamford’s cross.
The hosts looked lively and confident, with new midfielders Robin Koch and Sam Greenwood adding some spark and balance to their play.
But they wasted a chance to double their advantage when Bamford’s penalty was saved by Pope in the 27th minute, after Joelinton had fouled Junior Firpo in the box.
Newcastle made them pay for their miss four minutes later, when they levelled from the spot. Max Wober brought down Alexander Isak with a rash tackle and Callum Wilson calmly slotted home his 16th league goal of the season.
The visitors grew in confidence and threatened to take the lead before the break, with Miguel Almiron, Wilson and Fabian Schar all going close.
The second half was more open and end-to-end, with both sides creating chances. Weston McKennie fired over for Leeds, while Wilson volleyed wide for Newcastle.
Wilson then put Newcastle ahead in the 69th minute with his second penalty of the game, after VAR spotted Firpo’s handball from Joe Willock’s cross. Wilson smashed his spot-kick down the middle to make it 2-1.
But Leeds showed their fighting spirit and equalised in the 76th minute with a deflected shot from Rasmus Kristensen, who let fly from 25 yards after a corner was cleared to him.
The drama was not over yet, as Firpo was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Anthony Gordon in the 88th minute, leaving Leeds with 10 men.
And in a bizarre incident, a Leeds fan ran onto the pitch and confronted Newcastle manager Eddie Howe before being escorted away by stewards.
The final whistle blew soon after, with both teams having to settle for a point in a thrilling encounter at Elland Road.
