Substitute Joe Gelhardt’s stoppage-time winner moved Leeds 4 factors away from the relegation zone as they beat Norwich 2-1 in an astonishing finale at Elland Street to safe Jesse Marsch’s first victory as head coach.
Kenny McLean’s late equaliser for Norwich (90+1) appeared to have denied Leeds a deserved victory, till Raphinha rounded goalkeeper Tim Krul and teed up Gelhardt to seal the win (90+4) to the delight of the Elland Street crowd.
Unbelievably, there was a chance for Norwich to stage once more in stoppage-time, however Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier was equal to Teemu Pukki from shut vary.
It ends a run of six defeats on the bounce for Leeds, who had been again to their excessive octane finest on Sunday afternoon, and leaves their relegation rivals rooted to the underside of the Premier League desk, six factors from security.
Rodrigo opened the scoring for Leeds (14) after his right-footed effort from simply contained in the field took a lucky deflection off the calf of Norwich defender Ben Gibson earlier than nestling within the backside nook.
Norwich had been incensed by the choice to permit the purpose, as they felt Patrick Bamford was interfering with play from an offside place within the build-up.
After lacking three gilt-edged alternatives within the first half, it appeared like Leeds can be made to pay for his or her wastefulness in entrance of purpose when Norwich had been awarded a penalty after Luke Ayling introduced down Milot Rashica within the space.
However referee Stuart Attwell reversed his resolution after being advised to go to the pitchside monitor by the Video Assistant Referee.
Wasteful Leeds again to their finest
It was an electrifying first half efficiency from Leeds in entrance of a raucous Elland Street crowd, who had been off their ft when Raphinha hit the bar from shut vary after an outstanding cross from Bamford.
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Leeds head coach Jesse Marsch says that it is a step in the proper route after a dramatic end leading to a 2-1 win towards Norwich Metropolis.
From the ensuing nook, there was a gilt-edged alternative for Pascal Struijk as he skied the ball over the bar from contained in the six-yard field after Krul parried his preliminary header again to him.
Bamford, who solely lasted 45 minutes on his first begin since September, was additionally offered with an enormous likelihood to increase Leeds’ benefit however fired large when one-on-one with Krul in what proved to be a wasteful first half for the hosts.
Norwich had been overawed by the ferocity on present from Leeds and did not make any actual influence within the first-half, with their solely shot on course a scuffed effort by McLean which bobbled into the arms of Meslier.
Leeds continued to carve out alternatives within the second half, and had the ball behind the online after 52 minutes as James swept within the rebound of Raphinha’s close-range shot after a tremendous save from Krul, however the Wales worldwide was offside.
Anxiousness ranges started to develop at Elland Street as the sport wore on, and it appeared as if they’d be made to pay when Norwich substitute Jonathan Rowe struck the bar with a left-footed effort after 70 minutes.
Raphinha struck the crossbar once more, this time from a free-kick, which noticed the strain develop amongst Leeds supporters.
When McLean slid residence the Norwich leveller within the first minute of stoppage time after Pukki’s low cross from the right-hand aspect of the field, Leeds’ worst nightmare turned a actuality.
However they rallied and located a manner again in it, as Gelhardt – introduced on in stoppage-time – gained a header to feed Raphinha, who skilfully discovered a well past Krul, to return the ball to the substitute and provides Leeds their first win since January’s 3-2 victory over West Ham.
What’s subsequent?
Leeds will return to Premier League motion on Friday at 8pm as they tackle Wolves, stay on Sky Sports activities.
Dean Smith’s Norwich is not going to play once more in March as their subsequent scheduled sport will see them journey to face Brighton within the Premier League on Saturday April 2 at 3pm.
Reside FNF
Friday 18th March 7:00pm
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