Sam Allardyce makes controversial Leeds United v Newcastle United claim

Sam Allardyce felt Leeds United should have beaten Newcastle United - after the two clubs played out a 2-2 draw at Elland Road.

The hosts opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Luke Ayling followed up Rodrigo’s header that was saved by Nick Pope.

Leeds had a golden chance to double their lead when Joelinton conceded a penalty after fouling Junior Firpo. Patrick Bamford, however, was denied by Pope.

Less than three minutes later, United equalised through a spot-kick of their own. Maximilian Wober brought down Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson did the rest.

A handball by Firpo presented another penalty to Newcastle and Wilson again kept his cool. Leeds, however, clinched a point after Rasmus Kristensen’s effort deflected off Kieran Trippier.

“Should have been a victory for us today,” said Allardyce. “The commitment and spirit we showed, if we had gone 2-0 up, the way we defended apart from the silly penalty, we would have won.

“The fact that we allowed ourselves to get knocked back by missing the penalty and conceding a penalty, but the way we stayed in the game was very good. Going 2-1 down, then coming back and scoring.

“We shot ourselves in the foot quite often but showed enough to say that if we cut out the mistakes we can get three points.

“We are playing third in the league and should have won it in my opinion. Our fault, why we didn’t win, was giving two penalties away and missing one. Even when we got a player sent off we defended extremely well to get the point.”

Leeds are one point from Premier League safety. Meanwhile, Newcastle are four points above fifth place Liverpool, who travel to Leicester City on Monday night.

Get the latest Newcastle United headlines with our free football newsletter! Follow the action from St James’ Park and beyond as we bring the sport news to you. Visit our website here to sign up.