Leeds United showed 'massive' character to come from behind and take a point against Champions League-chasing Newcastle, according to former Chelsea and England star Joe Cole.
Things looked bad for Sam Allardyce's men after they had given away an early lead to trail Eddie Howe's side 2-1 thanks to two Callum Wilson penalties. Leeds had missed a spot-kick of their own through Patrick Bamford and saw Junior Firpo sent off for a second bookable offence.
However, they dug out what could be a valuable point when Rasmus Kristensen's effort was deflected past Nick Pope by Newcastle captain Kieran Trippier, Leeds now waiting for Everton and Leicester to play their 35th game before the final two matches.
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Whether Leeds can get out of danger remains to be seen but Cole, and former Whites favourite Gary McAllister, believe they have at least shown the right fighting spirit.
"They showed massive character," Cole said after the draw. "When they went two one down there was a little five-minute spell where I thought it could all fall to bits, but they gathered themselves, made a few tweeks tactically, and I felt they just dug in and showed character.
"That’s why they’re being clapped off by these fans, because they’ve shown that. That could be one of the biggest goals in this club’s season."
McAllister felt Newcastle were the better side, but that Leeds' grit showed they were fighting to stay in the division.
"I think it’s massive," he added. "I think it’s a massive point. Just the way the game went, there was massive moments in a match that had everything.
"If any Leeds fans in here had any doubt about whether these players were fighting to stay in the division, I think they proved today that they are. It’s a massive point, there’s still six to play for. They’ve got to go to London at West Ham, but it looks to me it’s going to come down to the final game against Spurs here at Elland Road, and they’ll need the fans again.
"I thought they weren’t as fine as Newcastle, Newcastle were better in possession and better at keeping the ball and making play, but Leeds fought for every inch of the pitch and for every minute of the game.
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