Leeds United have conceded late once again to lose vital points, drawing 2-2 with Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The game got off to a hot start when Leeds United fashioned a chance in the opening 20 seconds but Bournemouth then began to take control.
Daniel Farke’s side still created the better chances despite a lack of possession and Dominic Calvert-Lewin could have had two goals to his name before the visiting Cherries took the lead.
Antoine Semenyo fired in a low free-kick to open the scoring, but Leeds fought back through a powerful Joe Rodon header to ensure the scores were level at the break.
Leeds had fought well and continued to do so after half-time, taking a deserved lead when Sean Longstaff scored a stunning half volley.
The Whites held out for ages but Bournemouth finally levelled late on through Eli Kroupi and came close to winning the game. It’s a good draw that feels like a defeat for Leeds.
Here’s how the players rated.
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Karl Darlow – 6
Not actually challenged much in the goal but has to take responsibility for not organising his wall well enough for Semenyo’s free-kick, which was scored low despite a draught excluder being used.
Jayden Bogle – 7.5
Remained in the starting XI despite appearing to suffer a painful injury last week and Leeds were blessed to have him in the side. It wasn’t as effective an attacking performance as Leeds have become used to (not for a lack of effort) from Jayden Bogle, but he ensured Semenyo did little in open play.
Joe Rodon – 8.5
Rodon’s performance will be remembered for his first Premier League goal, with his powerful header dragging Leeds level. However, his defensive contributions were just as important, especially when he put himself in harm’s way to make a heroic block early on.
However, he was out-jumped in the build-up for the late equaliser.
Pascal Struijk – 8
Over £20m worth of centre-back continues to sit on the bench for Leeds because Pascal Struijk refuses to put a foot wrong. This was yet another resolute display from the Dutchman, who limited a dangerous Bournemouth attack to very few chances.
Gabriel Gudmundsson – 8
Yet another excellent display from the left-back, who has been nothing but immense since his unfortunate own-goal at Fulham. His biggest contribution was fighting on the floor near the touchline to keep a ball alive, eventually leading to the second goal.
That’s the fighting spirit which will make him a legend at Elland Road, with his solid defending and dangerous deliveries helping, too.
Sean Longstaff – 9
It speaks volumes of Longstaff’s performances that Ao Tanaka, the star of last year’s promotion, can’t get a look in.
Longstaff didn’t just do his defensive and possession based tasks on Saturday, but he was a creative force, too. The midfielder sent Calvert-Lewin in for his good chance in the opening seconds, swung in the corner that Rodon scored from and, of course, scored himself.
It was a brilliant finish with the outside of his boot, something that many probably didn’t think he was capable of. Another top display.
Ethan Ampadu – 6
There were a few ropey moments from Ethan Ampadu after Leeds fell behind, with the captain struggling under Bournemouth’s intense pressing and rushing into some poor passes as a result.
He remains crucial in ensuring Leeds stifle creative midfields and grew into the match but also played Kroupi onside for his leveller.
Anton Stach – 5
It was a quiet game from Anton Stach, who didn’t get involved in much of anything of note other than his clumsy barge that gave away the free-kick for Bournemouth to score. Needs to be offering a lot more.
Brenden Aaronson – 7
Fans could be heard calling for Brenden Aaronson to be taken off in the first half but the American was involved in some of Leeds’ best attacking moves, like creating a great chance for Calvert-Lewin that went begging, and his tireless work rate did lead to good moments on the counter.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 8
A brilliant striker’s performance that was sadly lacking the most important thing: goals. Calvert-Lewin had three golden chances to score before Leeds went behind and he will need to start taking them regularly if Leeds are to beat the drop.
Yet, the fact he’s having the chances is promising and he led the line brilliantly with hold-up play and runs into the channels. There’s no doubt that he is Leeds’ best striker.
Noah Okafor – 7
Another bright display which lacked in consistent threat, yet Noah Okafor was always looking to beat a man and his moments of skill brought the crowd to life. He also played a big role in creating Longstaff’s goal and he looks like he could be a great player for Leeds when he gets a bit of consistency.
Substitutes
Jack Harrison – 6
Went close with a fantastic effort from distance.
Ao Tanaka – 5
Gave the ball away and couldn’t help see the win out.
Lukas Nmecha – N/A
Came on late.
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