Newcastle United player ratings v Leeds United: ‘Silly’ 6/10 & ‘struggling’ 5/10 in 2-2 draw

Newcastle United player ratings from the 2-2 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road.
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Newcastle United need six points from their remaining three games to seal Champions League qualification after a 2-2 draw at Leeds United.

Magpies’ head coach Eddie Howe stressed the importance of a good start during his pre-match press conference - but his players did the complete opposite as Leeds clinched the lead just six minutes in.

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Patrick Bamford’s delivery was headed on target by Rodrigo and the loose ball was tapped home by the unmarked Luke Ayling.

The hosts were handed an opportunity to double their lead in the 28th minute when Joelinton clumsily fouled Junior Firpo. Nick Pope, however, kept out Bamford’s penalty before reacting to the rebound.

And less than three minutes later, Newcastle levelled through a spot-kick of their own. Alexander Isak was brought down by Maximilian Wober. Wilson cooly fired his effort into the bottom left corner.

Firpo fortunately avoided a red card in the 59th minute for a reckless challenge on Bruno Guimaraes - but he was soon punished by VAR. Joe Willock’s cross was handled by the Leeds left-back, allowing Wilson to score his second penalty of the afternoon.

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Out of nowhere, Rasmus Kristensen’s equalised for Leeds after his shot deflected off Trippier. Firpo was sent off during injury time but United failed to find a winner.

Here are our player ratings from the draw at Elland Road:

Nick Pope - 8

Beaten by Ayling and a deflected Kristensen shot but can’t be faulted. A vital save from Bamford’s penalty before reacting to the rebound.

Kieran Trippier - 6

Allowed Bamford to drift past him for Ayling’s opener. Took a lot of Newcastle’s set pieces but rarely put a good ball in. Tried to block Kristensen’s shot but deflected it into his own net.

Fabian Schar - 6

A standard Schar performance. Produced a couple of vital interceptions and was calm on the ball in an otherwise nervy defence.

Sven Botman - 5

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Poor marking for Ayling’s opener. Lacked composure throughout the afternoon and struggled against Bamford.

Dan Burn - 5

Dragged out of position for Leeds’ opener as he came to clear Bamford’s cross but missed - allowing Ayling space to tap home totally unmarked. Looked nervous but settled towards the end.

Bruno Guimaraes - 6

Booked for diving in the first half but Firpo was lucky not to see a red card for his challenge on the Brazilian in the 59th minute. Looked a little sharper than he has in recent weeks.

Joelinton - 6

Silly challenge on Firpo to concede a penalty but bailed out by Pope. Got caught on the ball on numerous occasions.

Joe Willock - 6

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Plenty of running but little end product, although he did create Wilson’s second penalty after his cross was handled by Firpo.

Miguel Almiron - 5

Tracked back brilliantly but never looked like creating anything in the final third. Closest he came was a first-half shot into the side netting.

Callum Wilson - 8

Didn’t get much joy from open play but kept his cool twice from the penalty spot. Takes his goal tally up to 17.

Alexander Isak - 7

Wasted on the left wing before a tactical switch brought Isak into the middle - and into life. Won a first-half penalty and got on the ball in a couple of encouraging positions.

Anthony Gordon (on for Almiron, 73) - 5

Lacked intensity when introduced.

Allan Saint-Maximin (on for Wilson, 73) - 6

Blew hot and cold with a couple of promising moments in the final third. Had a goal ruled out for offside.

Elliot Anderson (on for Willock, 87) - N/A