SEAN Longstaff scored a dramatic 97th-minute equaliser to earn Leeds United a crucial point in a thrilling draw away at AFC Bournemouth.
Leeds looked set to leave empty-handed after substitute Rayan put the hosts ahead late on, but Longstaff popped up in stoppage time to fire a volley into the bottom corner and secure a point that moves Daniel Farke’s side onto 40 points.
Bournemouth had earlier taken the lead through teenager Junior Kroupi, who scored his 11th league goal of the season just after the hour mark. The move started with strong work from defender Marcos Senesi, who won the ball and played a perfectly timed pass through for Kroupi to finish, with his effort taking a deflection on the way past goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Leeds responded quickly and nearly equalised when Noah Okafor beat the keeper with a delicate chip, only to see the ball come back off the post. Their pressure soon paid off though, as a long throw caused problems in the Bournemouth box, eventually leading to Wilfried Gnonto’s shot going in off the heel of defender James Hill for an own goal.
The hosts thought they had won it late on when Rayan was left completely unmarked inside the box to tap in a low cross from Tyler Adams with five minutes remaining. Bournemouth pushed for a third, with Senesi heading against the bar and Evanilson seeing a goal ruled out for a tight offside.
Leeds still had one final push, and after Lukas Nmecha hit the post, it looked like their chance had gone. However, another long throw wasn’t fully cleared, and Longstaff reacted quickest to smash home a late equaliser, sparking wild celebrations in the away end.
The result sees Leeds climb to 15th, now nine points clear of Tottenham Hotspur . in the final relegation spot, while Bournemouth move up to seventh, just one point behind Brighton in sixth.
Leeds have a massive game on Sunday as they take on a struggling Chelsea side in the FA Cup semi final at Wembley. It’s the first time they’ve played in the semi final since 1987. With Chelsea managerless and in terrible form, Leeds could be coming into it as favourites!
