Radrizzani in the tunnel
Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani made himself the last person his players would see before they headed out to battle. The Italian stood in the tunnel with the long line of mascots waiting for their heroes and he made a point of shaking every hand as they came out.
Archie Gray even wandered past without noticing his boss, who called him back for a little pat on the back.
Allardyce knows his role
There was a fair bit of flak flying around after the release of the video from the team’s hotel at Bournemouth. While the video did not show every member of staff, there were several players recorded ignoring one young fan on their way past.
READ MORE: Every word Sam Allardyce said on Leeds United's draw, Bamford, Robles, penalty calls, Koch
On Saturday there was a nice example of Sam Allardyce’s self-awareness. As the legion of young mascots trailed off the pitch before kick-off, they made for the head coach. Swarmed, Allardyce made sure to welcome them all with open arms and handshakes as they came by him.
Skubala’s niche
Michael Skubala, former under-21 boss, caretaker boss and Javi Gracia staffer, has found his own niche within Allardyce’s team. Every time Leeds are attacking or defending a set-piece, Skubala is to the fore on the edge of the technical area, directing what he has clearly put into place on the training ground.
Ayling rages
In the latter stages of the first half, Joe Willock had gone down inside the Leeds box and stayed down. Luke Ayling, who admittedly did not have many passing options on, chose to deliberately put the ball into touch for the midfielder to receive treatment.
Dan Burn then took the resulting throw-in quickly for Newcastle United and kept his side on the attack in the home half, rather than give possession back to Leeds. Once he got a moment to take his eye off the ball, Ayling would give Burn both barrels for playing on.
Callum Wilson, Willock and referee Simon Hooper would get an earful too.
Robinson discovers the Gnonto buzz
When Wilfried Gnonto was beckoned from his warm-up to get ready for entry to the field, there was the usual roar of excitement from the John Charles Stand. Karl Robinson felt the noise and couldn’t help smiling as Gnonto came to him with a match there to be won by the Italian.
Post-match walk
During the post-match tour of the pitch to applause the supporters, Rasmus Kristensen was spotted giving some of the club’s unsung heroes a bit of appreciation. The Dane was among the groundsmen, who were already on the field with their equipment, shaking their hands and no doubt thanking them for the work they have done with the pitch.
Further around the lap, Stuart Dallas was in Patrick Bamford’s ear. You would assume the Northern Irishman was having a quiet word about the missed penalty and keeping the striker’s chin up based on their facial expressions.
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