Pascal Struijk was the hero for Leeds United in stoppage time as he headed Joe Gelhardt’s cross into the back of the net to move his side out of the relegation zone. His goal – and the point that came with it – means the Whites will go into the final day with a chance of survival.
Although, despite moving out of the relegation zone, Leeds could go to Brentford occupying a place in the bottom three if Burnley win or draw against Aston Villa in their game-in-hand on Thursday. Such results would leave Jesse Marsch’s side needing a win in West London at the weekend.
However, Struijk claimed that he and his team mates need to focus more on themselves than anyone else in the next few days. After the draw with Brighton, he was asked about the significance of Burnley and Everton’s games in hand.
Read more: What Leeds United need to happen to ensure Premier League survival following Brighton draw
“I don’t think we should be too focused on those games,” he told LUTV. “I know it’s still in the back of your mind but we should really focus on our game because that’s one more big final and we need to make sure we win that one.”
That is very much the attitude that the staff and players at Thorp Arch will adopt between now and the trip to the capital. They cannot control Burnley and Everton’s games and are now aware that they have a chance on the final day, even if the Clarets beat Villa on Thursday.
Struijk added: “We’ve never stopped believing and I certainly don’t think the fans have. So, for us, we play the last game, make sure we get the points and we’ll see how the table plays out.”
Beating Brentford is now the only way Leeds can strengthen their survival hopes and even three points might not be enough next Sunday. Although, on the flip side of that, the Whites may have already done enough to ensure they are playing in the Premier League for a third consecutive season if Burnley are unable to pick up any further points.
