Leeds United signed off their final home game of the Premier League season with a huge 1-0 win over Brighton at Elland Road.
It looked like the match was heading for a draw, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin stepped up deep into stoppage time to give Daniel Farke’s side a massive late winner.
The Whites worked hard all afternoon and defended brilliantly against a Brighton team still chasing European football. Leeds showed fight, energy and togetherness once again in front of their home fans.
Daniel Farke will be delighted with the performance, especially after his side handled pressure well for most of the match.
Leeds had some strong individual displays all over the pitch and several players stood out in a tense Premier League battle.
Leeds United Store: https://leedsunited.sjv.io/09rJdJ
Karl Darlow: 8/10
The Leeds goalkeeper had a very solid afternoon between the posts. He made one brilliant save in the first half to stop Brighton taking the lead and looked calm whenever crosses came into the box.
Darlow’s handling was strong and he gave confidence to the defenders in front of him. It was one of his best performances in a Leeds shirt this season.
Joe Rodon: 8/10
Rodon was strong at the back and dealt with Brighton’s attackers very well. He also pushed forward a few times to help Leeds move up the pitch.
The defender looked comfortable throughout the game and made some important defensive actions when Brighton increased the pressure in the second half.
Jaka Bijol: 9/10
A top-class display from Bijol. The centre-back dominated in the air and won so many key headers inside the box.
He also made two massive blocks that stopped Brighton from creating clear chances. Leeds fans will be very happy with how solid he looked at the heart of the defence.
Sebastiaan Bornauw: 8/10
Bornauw quietly had another very good game. He stayed switched on all match and defended well under pressure.
The defender also played some clever passes forward to help Leeds start attacks from the back.
Daniel James: 7/10
James worked hard from start to finish and caused problems with his pace down the right side.
He nearly scored in the first half before his effort was blocked. Defensively, he also helped his teammates and tracked back well whenever Brighton tried to attack.
Ethan Ampadu: 8/10
The Leeds captain once again led by example. Ampadu was excellent in midfield and made one huge clearance in the second half that kept the score level.
He battled hard all game and showed why he has become such an important player for Daniel Farke this season.
Ao Tanaka: 6/10
Tanaka had a quieter game compared to some of his teammates, but he still worked hard in midfield.
He kept possession well at times and helped Leeds stay organised against a dangerous Brighton side.
Anton Stach: 7/10
Before going off injured, Stach produced another strong display in midfield.
He read the game nicely, won the ball back several times and also joined attacks when possible. Leeds fans will now hope his injury is not too serious.
James Justin: 8/10
Justin defended really well for most of the match and handled Brighton’s wide players impressively.
He also moved forward when needed and helped Leeds create pressure down the left side.
Brenden Aaronson: 6/10
Aaronson never stopped running and pressing Brighton’s defenders.
While his final ball was not always perfect, his energy and effort helped Leeds stay competitive in the game.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 8/10
The match winner.
Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire
Calvert-Lewin caused Brighton problems throughout the game with his strength and movement. He battled for long balls and linked play nicely at times.
Then came the huge moment late in stoppage time. The striker stayed alert after a defensive mistake, rounded the goalkeeper calmly and rolled the ball into the empty net to send Elland Road wild.
It was a brilliant finish and the perfect way to end Leeds’ final home game of the season.
Lukas Nmecha: 7/10
Nmecha came on and added fresh energy in attack.
He tried to make things happen whenever he got the ball and worked hard against tired Brighton defenders.
Wilfried Gnonto: 7/10
Gnonto looked lively after coming off the bench.
He nearly scored with one effort and also tracked back to help defensively. His movement caused Brighton a few problems late in the match.
Sean Longstaff: 5/10
A mixed performance from Longstaff.
He won possession high up the pitch once very well, but also gave the ball away a few times with sloppy passes.
Joel Piroe: 6/10
Piroe nearly made an instant impact after coming on.
He had one good effort on goal and helped Leeds defensively during the closing stages.
Sam Byram: N/A
Byram came on late for what could be one of his final appearances at Elland Road.
His misplaced pass actually led to the Brighton error that allowed Calvert-Lewin to score the winner.
Michael Oliver: 8/10
The referee handled the match well and kept control throughout the afternoon.
There were not many major controversies and the game flowed smoothly for long periods.
Premier League fanwear and Leeds United clothing, Fanatics offers a wide range of options: https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/bOAqkv
Leeds Finish Home Campaign In Perfect Style
This was a massive result for Leeds United and another sign of how much progress the club has made under Daniel Farke.
Elland Road has become a very difficult place for teams to visit this season and the supporters once again played a huge role in helping the team over the line.
Leeds defended bravely, stayed patient and finally got their reward right at the end through Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s cool finish.
It was the perfect ending to Leeds United’s Premier League home campaign.
From outside the UK, the UK Soccer Shop remains a popular choice: https://uksoccershop.sjv.io/XmDrNM
For more Leeds United news, gear, and match updates, follow us on Facebook or join our brand-new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates delivered directly to your phone.
Discover more from Leeds United News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
