'Lacked spark' - national media react to Newcastle…

'Lacked spark' - national media react to Newcastle United's 2-2 draw with Leeds United

Newcastle United 'lacked spark' in their 2-2 draw at Leeds United, according to the national media who watched yesterday's match at Elland Road.

The home side led and then missed a golden chance to double their lead before Eddie Howe's men turned the game on its head courtesy of two Callum Wilson penalties to lead 2-1 with 21 minutes remaining.

However, the hosts battled back to equalise 10 minutes later, securing a vital point for the hosts in their fight against relegation and meaning Newcastle United missed the chance to take another giant step forward towards a top four finish.

Here is how the national media saw the encounter.

'Leeds looked there for the taking'

"Newcastle United must have thought they were on course to take full advantage of the reprieve offered up by Bamford's penalty failure when Wilson put them ahead in the second half despite an indifferent team performance," writes Phil McNulty for the BBC.

"Howe's side were nowhere near their best and paid for a below-par effort when Kristensen's shot took a big deflection off Trippier to leave keeper Nick Pope flat-footed and give Leeds a point.

"It is a result that edged Newcastle close to their target of a top-four finish and Champions League qualification - but this was a flat display.

"Leeds looked there for the taking when Newcastle went ahead, and that was reflected in the atmosphere - the sound and fury of the home support in the early stages quietened down, almost in an acceptance of their fate.

"Newcastle, though, lacked spark and failed to finish Leeds off, leaving the door open as victory slipped away.

"They now have two home games, against Brighton and troubled Leicester City, to try to clinch a place in next season's Champions League."

'Rationed to so few clear-cut chances'

"The visitors, chasing a Champions League place, are rarely rationed to so few clear-cut chances and had Patrick Bamford not missed a first-half penalty the outcome might have been different," writes Louise Taylor for the Guardian.

"Although they played the closing minutes with 10 men after Junior Firpo’s self-destructive collection of a second yellow card, this represented a significantly improved performance on the part of Leeds.

"Granted, avoiding relegation may well involve them winning their final two games, at West Ham and at home to Tottenham, but, on this evidence, it might not be quite mission impossible."

'Chance missed'

Mike McGrath, for the Telegraph, wrote: "Big Sam has given Leeds a chance of survival and has two games to pull off a great escape and there was hope as fans cheered at the final whistle. Yet victory would have turned hope into belief.

"For Newcastle, they missed a chance themselves to take a giant stride towards a top-four place and Champions League qualification, yet Howe felt a point could aid them come the end of the season.

"It was a strange game," said Howe. "Ultimately we feel disappointed but it could be a crucial point, you just don't know. We were okay in the game without being at our best but we know in this league you have to be at your best."

'Plenty of work to do'

"Kristensen’s deflected goal earned Leeds what may prove to be a precious point from what temporary boss Sam Allardyce had branded a must-not-lose game," writes Dan King, for The Sun.

"Victory would have put Newcastle’s Champions League quest back on track after last week’s home defeat by Arsenal. Instead they still have plenty of work to do to secure a top-four finish.

"Leeds do, too. They remain in the bottom three and in big trouble. But Kristensen at least gave them - and Allardyce - hope.

"The fever-pitch atmosphere before kick-off had the desired effect on the home team.

"Leeds players flew into challenges straight from kick-off and within seven minutes, they put the ball into the Newcastle net."

'Lacked spark' - national media react to Newcastle United's 2-2 draw with Leeds United

'Leeds looked there for the taking'

'Rationed to so few clear-cut chances'

'Chance missed'

'Plenty of work to do'

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