Newcastle’s Callum Wilson scores two in draw to Leeds United
By Cade Cracas
It was an unlikely sight to see Newcastle United’s top goal scorer, forward Callum Wilson, score two goals from the penalty kick line in a draw against Leeds United on Saturday, May 13.
While the draw was on neither team’s mind, it ultimately did not hinder them in a bad way. Leeds was able to hold their own to help avoid relegation, while the Magpies still remain within the top of the Premier League table.
In the opening minutes of the game, Leeds showcased their willingness and drive to avoid potential relegation as the season dwindles to a close. Defender Luke Ayling was in the perfect position to blast the ball into the back of the net as Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope made a save, rebounding it right to the foot of Ayling, making the scoreline 1-0 in the 7th minute.
Just 19 minutes later in the 26th minute, Leeds looked to take a 2-0 lead with a penalty kick after a bad challenge from midfielder Joelinton.
Fortunately for the Magpies, their man in goal rose to the occasion, saving the shot and keeping the game within a goal.
Just when you thought the game would slow down, it simply did not. Just three minutes later Leeds’ defense would fold and foul Newcastle’s Alexander Isak in the box.
The team elected to allow Wilson to take the kick, who then nailed the ball into the bottom left corner which would knot the game up at one apiece.
With momentum now being established back at a middle ground, both teams battled back and forth throughout the first half as they looked to separate themselves from one another.
However, even with both sides going back and forth, the ball rarely left the midfield as either party battled for the lead once more.
In the second half, things would play out just like they did in the first.
Pandemonium.
In the 66th minute, Newcastle sent a ball into the box and Leeds’ Junior Firpo rose his hand up into the air, striking the ball. Initially, it was not seen as a handball but after a VAR review, it was overturned and Wilson would get another shot at a penalty kick.
Just like his first, it was swiftly belted into the back of the net.
The goal by Wilson gave Newcastle United a momentarily lead, but in the 77th minute, Leeds tied the game back up off of a strike from Rasmus Kristensen that deflected off the side of Kieran Trippier.
With the game tied a two a piece, one more eye-popping moment would occur in the 89th minute as Firpo, who was called with a handball earlier in the game, was awarded a red card for a dangerous challenge on Anthony Gordon on the edge of the 18.
Newcastle was unable to convert after the foul was called, leaving the contest with a point for both teams.
The Magpies led the contest outshooting Leeds, 18-9, while also outpossessing them, 64% to 36%.
On paper, the contest should have gone in favor of Newcastle United but the game ultimately came down to who could convert on the chances given to them, and even with less, Leeds United showed they do not want to be relegated just yet.
Newcastle still sits in third place in the Premier League table with three games left in the season, now with an overall record of 18-12-5.
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They next look to take on Brighton on Thursday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. in hopes to remain in third place as Manchester United stands just on their heels.