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Oliver Jones

National media round-up as Leeds United reacquainted with hope and new challenge begins

Here's what the national media had to say about Leeds United's comeback win over Bournemouth.

Can Leeds United now kick-on?

Writing for BBC Sport, Neil Johnston said: "Watching Leeds should come with a public health warning.

"Jesse Marsch's side love a late goal and for the third straight game Crysencio Summerville found the net in the closing stages. While the 21-year-old's effort against Fulham on 23 October could not prevent Leeds from losing at home, his goals against Liverpool and Bournemouth have proved to be match winners.

"The question of the lips of Leeds fans now is: will they kick-on after the most dramatic of wins over the Cherries? In a breathless match, the Whites came back from a two-goal deficit at Elland Road to avoid defeat in the Premier League for the first time since November 2000.

"There is still lots of work to be done on the training pitch but Leeds clearly do not lack character or belief after clawing back a 3-1 deficit to win a wonderful match 4-3.

"On a day when Marsch's substitutes made key contributions, Sam Greenwood (20 years and 283 days) became the youngest Leeds player to both score and assist a goal in a Premier League game since Alan Smith against Bradford City in May 2001 (20 years and 197 days)."

Fireworks illuminated Elland Road as Summerville struck

Louise Taylor wrote for the Guardian: "The Leeds squad marked Halloween with a fancy dress party and for most of a shockingly slapdash first half, Jesse Marsch must have suspected they were still in disguise.

"With Marcus Tavernier excelling, Bournemouth were in complete control but a couple of inspired substitutions ensured that thanks to Crysencio Summerville’s second winning goal in consecutive games the visitors were consigned to a fourth straight Premier League defeat.

"At least Leeds had Wilfried Gnonto on the bench. The striker signed from FC Zürich in the summer is already a full Italy international at the age of 19 and he replaced Harrison at half-time as Leeds switched to a 4-3-3.

"Before Gnonto could make an impact a counterattacking Bournemouth scored again. Tavernier all too easily – and not for the first time – dodged Rasmus Kristensen before sending in a low cross which Solanke brilliantly flicked past Meslier.

"Suddenly Elland Road became reacquainted with the concept of hope. Such faith was justified when Cooper headed Leeds level from a corner. Given that Greenwood took the set piece and that Gnonto – intelligent, incisive and blessed with a wicked change of pace – was petrifying the defence, redemption beckoned for Marsch.

"It arrived when Gnonto collected the ball deep inside his own half, hared forward and slipped a beautifully weighted pass into Summerville’s path. Some forwards might have lost their composure at such a pivotal moment but the 21-year-old Dutch winger proved a study in poise and precision, sliding his shot beyond the advancing Travers.

"Almost immediately, fireworks began illuminating the skies above Elland Road. “We never have simple wins,” Marsch said. “We don’t make things easy."

Gnonto's pass of perfection brings Leeds all three points

Writing for the Daily Mail, Chris Wheeler wrote: "Leeds were down and they looked out. So too perhaps was Jesse Marsch. Elland Road was simmering with unrest. The barometer for Marsch and his players had moved back into the red zone. Back into trouble.

"A week after an incredible late win over Liverpool at Anfield had bought the manager more time in the wake of a 3-2 defeat to Fulham here, his team were 3-1 down again to fellow strugglers Bournemouth with half an hour left.

"The American stalked the touchline, head down, hands stuffed in the pockets of his anorak, wondering what to do. Then he made the changes that transformed the game.

"Marsch sent on Sam Greenwood and the substitute scored. Next, Greenwood had an assist for Liam Cooper’s equaliser. Elland Road erupted. The boos at half-time were forgotten as the Leeds fans roared their team on to snatch a winner.

"In the 84th minute, it arrived. Another substitute, Willy Gnonto set off from midway inside the Bournemouth half pursued by a pack of red and black shirts.

"Gnonto timed his pass to perfection, slipping the ball through into the path of Crysencio Summerville, Leeds’ match-winner at Anfield. Summerville kept his cool again, striding into the box to bury his shot beyond Mark Travers.

"In doing so, the young Dutchman became the youngest Leeds player to score three goals in consecutive top-flight games for Leeds since Alan Smith in 2001. As the ball hit the back of the net, there were fireworks over Elland Road. Literally."

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