Luke Ayling, who had kept a hanging stoppage-time free-kick alive at the back post, slammed home from close range, causing confusion on the sidelines and uproar among the enraged away fans in the Steve Bull Stand’s lower bank.
Among the unused replacements who immediately charged from one side of the pitch to the other to join the celebrations were Kalvin Phillips and Joe Gelhardt. It was a truly incredible and potentially season-shaping comeback victory, and a game that will live long in the memories of all fans, whatever of their political leanings.
It was complete anarchy, but Wolves, who had lost a two-goal lead, were sick to their stomachs. Ral Jiménez’s controversial dismissal proved to be the turning point for a Leeds side who had been exposed by a rampant Wolves side in the first half, when goals by Jonny and substitute Trinco, who came on midway through the first half in place of the injured Rben Neves, seemed destined to put Wolves on the road to a third consecutive victory.
But two goals in four second-half minutes after Jiménez was sent off for colliding with Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier completely changed the game, and Wolves were forced to play the entire second half with ten men.
Watch Highlights below in case you missed the match:
“That decision transformed the game,” says Bruno Lage, the Wolves head coach, whose clipboard lay despondently on the floor of the away technical room following Leeds’ comeback.
Leeds’ spate of injuries seemed a long time ago at the final whistle. Leeds had already used up their substitutions by the time Meslier was replaced by Kristoffer Klaesson, who was introduced for the first time after 55 minutes. After 21 minutes, Patrick Bamford walked off in tears after attempting to latch on to a through ball, followed by Diego Llorente and Mateusz Klich.
Raphinha, on the other hand, was unable to attend the game due to a conflict with Covid. Following Neves’ knee injury, Wolves were forced to alter their lineup. Jesse Marsch said a disturbed Bamford’s “response could look like a major injury,” but that it was likely just plantar fasciitis.
Leeds moves seven points clear of the relegation zone after a rousing victory — their second in five days in stoppage time. “I’m learning more about Leeds United’s identity, and it’s gritty, it’s never-say-die,” Marsch added.
“I told them [the players] that this was not just one of the best performances of my career, but also one of the best performances I’ve ever seen in a game, and it’s practically two games in a row.” It’s all about our men’s character and hearts. “All of the credit goes to the players.”
Even though Marsch’s side started with plenty of zeal, the first half was a disaster for Leeds. On 11 minutes, Bamford squandered their best chance.
Bamford, facing Wolves captain Conor Coady, bared down on goal but blasted his shot wide after Daniel James seized on Neves’ exceptionally weak touch. From the sidelines, Marsch applauded, but the scene swiftly altered when Wolves were allowed to stretch their legs.
Jesse Marsch, the head coach of Leeds United, gave a fantastic interview; see the video below.
But Jiménez’s dismissal altered the tide, and Leeds’ conviction was bolstered by Jack Harrison’s score a few minutes later. It was a sensation of disbelief for Jiménez and Wolves.
