In a season filled with dramatic moments, Leeds United saved one more for the final day as Jack Harrison scored a stoppage time winner against Brentford as the Whites secured their Premier League status for a third season. In the end, the goal wasn't necessary to their survival, as Burnley lost to Newcastle, meaning a point would have kept Leeds up.
However, the goal meant that Leeds took three points instead of one, finishing on 38 points for the season. 11 of those points were secured in stoppage time, with the season's final two games both including result altering goals. There were winners against Crystal Palace, Norwich, and Wolves before Harrison's winner against Brentford.
There were stoppage time goals scored under both managers Leeds have had this season, and the fitness levels Marcelo Bielsa demanded of his players is highly likely to have played a part in their ability to keep going until the final moments. Also, since Jesse Marsch has taken over as manager, the American has regularly spoken about the fighting qualities and the belief in the group being the reason why he had faith that the Whites could remain in the Premier League.
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At times in the season, things looked particularly desperate before the goals came. The atmosphere in Elland Road after Norwich City had scored to seemingly deny Leeds in what felt like a 'must-win' game was one of despair. However, just a few minutes later there was an explosion of joy as Joe Gelhardt scored the winner in stoppage time.
The 20-year-old forward was involved in several moments where Leeds were desperate for a piece of magic. It was the Liverpudlian who had the finishing touch against Norwich but he was the provider when Leeds were 1-0 down against Wolves and Brighton. In both cases, some wonderful footwork opened up set defences and allowed him to win a penalty against Wolves and cross for Pascal Struijk to head in against Brighton to give Leeds hope heading into the final day of the season.
"I believed in them. I believed in their spirit and their resolve and I believed in their character," Marsch said after the final game. "And I believe that over time with all the things we’ve been through that, that it’s made us stronger, not weaker."
Next season, Leeds will hope that they are far less reliant on late goals to secure important points. However, being able to fight and produce quality in the final moments will never be a bad habit to have.
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