On Wednesday night, Leeds fans voiced their frustration early as Daniel Farke named an unchanged lineup from the weekend. Most of the supporters thought the FA Cup was going to be the priority.
Farke went full strength and decided to go for it at the Vitality Stadium, knowing a result could change the trajectory of their season. The game only burst into life in the second half when the Cherries took the lead through Junior Kroupi. Leeds managed to equalize less than 10 minutes later as Wilfried Gnonto’s effort was put into the back of the net by James Hill.
Rayan put Bournemouth in the lead in the 85th minute, in what looked to be the winner. But Sean Longstaff popped up with a late equalizer at the death to take a point on the road. It was a tough result, and the away side had to dig deep to grind out something.
Sky Sports pundit slams disallowed Bournemouth goal vs Leeds
There was some controversy just before Longstaff’s goal, as Bournemouth scored a third goal. It was ruled out by a VAR check, which deemed striker Evanilson to be offside by a shoulder. If that goal had stood, Andoni Iraola’s side would have won the game.
Alan Smith, who was in the studio for Sky Sports, slammed the decision, saying goals ruled out by that margin should be given to the attacking team.
“It’s one of them, it is borderline but you just feel those should go to the attacking team.
“There is so little in it and I suppose it is either onside or not but it’s very unlucky and it’s a rule that I know frustrates many.
“He will be so disappointed to have that goal disallowed because he has done everything right and if that’s me, I think the goal should stand.”
READ MORE: Leeds fans in complete disagreement over Daniel Farke decision
A point surely seals survival for the Whites
The Whites learnt over the weekend that 39 points has been enough for teams to clinch survival in the last five seasons. And now Leeds have 40 points, they have surely booked another season in the top flight. They are not mathematically safe yet, but with how things are looking, Farke’s men can breathe a little bit easily heading into the weekend. This late run at the end of the season could be the reason why the Whites clinch safety going into the final weeks of the campaign.
