Leeds United edged a little closer to Premier League safety after a chaotic 2-2 draw away at Bournemouth on Wednesday night, with Sean Longstaff popping up deep into stoppage time to snatch an equaliser.
They came into the game with some breathing space thanks to back-to-back league wins, and an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea looming on Sunday. Even so, Daniel Farke didn’t take any chances and named a strong XI.
For long stretches, it felt like Bournemouth had done enough to win it, especially when Rayan looked to have wrapped things up for the hosts in the 86th minute.
But Leeds weren’t done. Longstaff struck late to cap off a resilient away display and earn a hard-fought point.
The late equaliser clearly didn’t go down well with Andoni Iraola, who was visibly frustrated on the touchline and didn’t hold back in his post-match comments about the referee.
Premier League legend understands the Bournemouth frustrations against Leeds
Former Newcastle United and Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given has conceded that there are serious question marks around Longstaff’s goal.
Joel Piroe blocked the goalkeeper’s view while standing in an offside position, and he understands Iraola’s frustrations, given a Bournemouth goal was ruled out due to the tiniest of margins.
He believes another referee could have easily chalked off the Leeds equaliser.
Given said on Premier League Productions: “There is a question mark of whether it was another offside.
“A player is standing right in front of Petrovic.
“Keep an eye on Petrovic, the goalkeeper, he is looking right for the ball, and he can’t see it.
“Iraola, after the game, was raging that it wasn’t given offside, especially how tight it was for Evanilson.
“Another official, perhaps, could have called that offside.”
The Whites will not care; they are probably safe now
Wins over Manchester United and Wolves had already taken the pressure off, and this draw at Bournemouth nudges Leeds another step closer to securing their Premier League status.
They’re still nine points clear of the relegation zone, even though they’ve played a game more than Tottenham, and it’s now looking increasingly likely they’ll be back in the top flight next season.
One more win should be enough, and they’ll back themselves against an already relegated Burnley at Elland Road on May 1, a game that could seal survival.
Leeds delivered a composed away performance and, all things considered, deserved the point they came away with.
Now attention turns to the biggest game of their season, as Daniel Farke gears his side up for a trip to Wembley to face Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
