'Missed opportunity'

'Missed opportunity' - National media round-up after Leeds United draw with Brighton

A round-up of what the national media are reporting after Leeds United's 2-2 draw against Brighton at Elland Road.

Aaron Bower of The Guardian wrote: "The notion of a draw in the Premier League being a good or bad result usually depends on which side of the fence you sit and where your season is heading. But here, as both the Leeds and Brighton players received deserved applause from their supporters after an entertaining draw at Elland Road, this had the distinct feeling of a missed opportunity for both sides.

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"Make no mistake, Leeds would probably look upon a point against a Brighton side chasing European football as a good result in isolation. But on a day when two of the sides around them won to drop Javi Gracia’s side into the Premier League’s bottom three, coupled with the fact Leeds had their chances to take all three points, this might be an afternoon some supporters look back on as frustrating."

'A point gained for Leeds'

Aadam Patel wrote in the Daily Mail: "After Bournemouth’s lunchtime victory over Liverpool, suddenly this felt like a must-win for Leeds United. Even more so when across the Pennines, Everton took the lead just 35 seconds in. Leeds began the day in 17th and were now 19th.

"As it was, they came from behind twice thanks to goals from Patrick Bamford and Jack Harrison to grab what could prove to be a crucial point against high-flying Brighton.

"Neither side could find a winner. A point gained for Leeds? No doubt, with a bit of luck and a moment of quality. Two dropped for Brighton? You’d probably say so.

"And with 12 games remaining for Leeds, of which six are at Elland Road, you get the sense that this place will be crucial to Leeds’s hopes of staying up."

'Satisfactory'

BBC Sport wrote: "Harrison had not scored for more than six months since Leeds' 3-0 home win over Chelsea in August but turned from hero, with an assist for Bamford's initial equaliser, to villain and back to hero in a memorable afternoon.

"His hard work in winning possession down the left led to Leeds' leveller but he was unable to sort out his feet quickly enough after Wober's original slice flew back out off goalkeeper Illan Meslier. But Harrison shook off that disappointment to measure a wonderful strike from just inside the area as Brighton failed to react to Gnonto's piece of quick thinking.

"There was a slight element of controversy about the goal as a second ball entered the pitch just before the strike but Gnonto speedily removed it and the officials allowed the goal to stand. It was a satisfactory second home game in charge for Leeds boss Javi Gracia, following the 1-0 win over relegation rivals Southampton a fortnight earlier, but away trips to Wolves and Arsenal now beckon for a side that has taken just six points from 39 on the road all season.

"Leeds had lost on 10 of the 12 occasions they had previously conceded first so the fight they showed here will hearten Gracia for the battle ahead - but they have still only won one of their past 13 matches."

'Missed opportunity' - National media round-up after Leeds United draw with Brighton