Pascal Struijk’s equaliser against Brighton was the latest in a long list of late Leeds United goals this season. It has become a regular occurrence, especially at Elland Road, for the Whites to do their business in stoppage time.
Of the 18 points they have accumulated at home this season, Leeds have scored in added time in games that have contributed 12 points. It shows the impact that the 34,000 plus supporters have had on so many occasions when their counterparts at other stadiums might have flocked for an early exit.
Along with Rodrigo’s 94th-minute equaliser against Wolves and Patrick Bamford’s 95th -minute leveller against Brentford, Struijk’s late header brought a valuable point. While Raphinha’s penalty against Crystal Palace, Dan James’ goal against Burnley and Joe Gelhardt’s winner against Norwich all helped bring vital victories.
Read more: Pascal Struijk blocks out Everton and Burnley noise as Leeds United goal hero maintains focus
Similar late success has been enjoyed away from Elland Road as Bamford netted a late equaliser against Burnley at Turf Moor and Luke Ayling scored a dramatic late winner at Molineux against Wolves. Each of those goals have been hugely important in aiding the battle against Premier League relegation and another one at Brentford on the final day certainly wouldn’t go amiss if it’s needed.
Because of Struijk’s equaliser against Brighton, Leeds know that they will have, at least, an opportunity to secure survival on Sunday. Even if Everton and Burnley both win their games in hand on Thursday evening, the Whites could still retain their top-flight status if they beat Brentford and the Clarets are beaten by Newcastle.
Of course, Leeds fans and players would much rather see their two relegation rivals lose in midweek. If Burnley lose against Aston Villa on Thursday, Jesse Marsch’s side will only have to better their final-day result at Turf Moor.
As for Everton, they need two points from their remaining two games – against Crystal Palace and Arsenal – to ensure Leeds cannot overtake them. If they fail to beat the Eagles at Goodison Park, they will go the Emirates on the last day seriously nervous of being relegated from the Premier League for the first time.
