Leeds United dropped key points again for the second time in their last three games. The fans thought the team had secured a hard fought win on Saturday, but Bournemouth had other plans.
The Cherries took the lead in the first 30 minutes with Antoine Semenyo drilling home a free kick. Joe Rodon rose highest to head home an equalizer before Sean Longstaff slammed home a powerful effort. Leeds looked like they were going to hang on in the game for all three points, but Bournemouth scored a late equalizer at the end, and nearly squeezed in a winner.
Saturday’s game was a lot similar to the Fulham defeat a few weeks ago, when Daniel Farke’s side could have won but failed to capitalize on their chances and got punished for it.
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Sky Sports pundit criticizes Leeds United for Bournemouth opener
Credit: Imago
Semenyo’s free kick after 26 minutes was certainly a weird one. Leeds set up their wall, and even had a man at the base of the wall to prevent a low shot. But the Bournemouth forward managed to sneak it past everyone into the back of the net.
Sky Sports‘ Charlotte Marsh thinks the goal was an error on Leeds’ part:
“It’s a disastrous set play from a Leeds perspective.
“They have a solid wall and a ‘draft excluder’ on the floor – but none of it works.
“The ball whips under the jumping wall and past the toes of Aaronson on the floor.
“So no one is in the right spot – or the ‘draft excluder’ needs to grow a few inches – and Bournemouth are the first team to score at Elland Road this season.”
Andoni Iraola says his team ‘survived’ at Elland Road
After his side snatched a point, Andoni Iraola gave massive credit to Leeds on how they played in the game. On another day, the Whites could have easily taken all three points:
“Game was very physical. Calvert-Lewin winning a lot of first contacts. Physical midfield, winning second balls.
“Normally, we are good in that type of game, but Leeds have been very good in the duels and fighting for the ball. Difficult for us.”
