Leeds United achieve Premier League survival in 2-1 win at Brentford

Leeds United beat Brentford away from home to secure Premier League survival in another crazy ninety minutes.

It was a bit of an edgy start before Joe Gelhardt thought he’d punctured the tension after 20 minutes when he latched onto Harrison chipped pass and blasted the ball into the roof of the net. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.

But Brentford looked the more dangerous for the remainder of the half, much of their danger coming from Leeds’ fragility and nerves.

The Whites were awarded a penalty kick early in the second half as the Brentford keeper played the ball straight into Raphinha’s feet on the edge of the box. The Brazilian lifted the ball past Raya but was brought down in the process, giving the referee no choice but to point to the spot.

Raphinha stepped up, or rather skipped up, and sent the keeper the wrong way as he fired the ball into the right side of the net.

Elsewhere, Burnley had grabbed a goal back against Newcastle, bringing the score to 1-2. And while Burnley were chasing their game, Leeds were hanging on to their lead as Brentford started to encounter a less aggressive opponent.

They found the equaliser with 12 minutes left despite being down to ten men after Ajer went off injured with no subs left for the home side. Wissa was wide open on the far side, floating an excellent cross toward an open Sergi Canos at the back post who nodded the ball perfectly across goal and into the far corner.

After taking his shirt off to celebrate, and subsequently being booked, Canos was sent down the tunnel just 47 seconds later after a poor challenge on Raphinha had the Spaniard seeing his second yellow card.

Leeds had to push in case Burnley had managed to salvage something against Newcastle, and eventually managed the crucial winning goal with the last kick of the game. Raphinha’s corner was easily cleared, but Harrison’s follow-up from the edge of the box took a deflection and nestled into the bottom corner, ensuring absolute raptures in the away corner.

It’s been a difficult, emotional season. When the dust settles, a rebuild will be needed. The club could look very different in a few months’ time. But for now, enjoy this. You, and your blood pressure, have earned a break.