Bournemouth were a few inches and a few seconds from three points that would launched them ahead in the Premier League’s European race on Wednesday, but Leeds snatched a point with a stoppage-time equalizer and left Vitality Stadium stunned.
WATCH — Bournemouth vs Leeds full match replay
The game was goalless for an hour, until defender Marco Senesi carried the ball forward and picked out Junior Kroupi with a brilliant pass. Kroupi lifted it home to make it 1-0, but Leeds equalized eight minutes later when Wilfried Gnonto’s shot deflected in off James Hill’s heel for an own goal. USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams set up Bournemouth’s second goal from the right wing, finding Brazilian winger Rayan making a late run into the box on 86 minutes, and the Cherries thought they had put the game to bed when Senesi played an even better ball to Evanilson for goal no. 3 in the 91st.
However, video review revealed that Evanilson was narrowly offside, and the Whites sure made them pay. Sean Longstaff smashed a right-footed shot through a sea of bodies in the 97th to make it 2-2 and extend Leeds’ unbeaten run to five games. Daniel Farke’s side now sits on 40 points, nine above the relegation zone with four games left to play.
On the other side, Bournemouth (49 points) would have gone 6th (possibly a Champions League place) with a win. Instead, they sit 7th and trail 6th-place Brighton by a point. Alas, they remain in a strong position to qualify for Europe for the first time in club history.
Bournemouth vs Leeds live updates - by Andy Edwards
Bournemouth vs Leeds final score: 2-2
Goalscorers: Junior Kroupi (60'), James Hill (68' - OG), Rayan (86'), Sean Longstaff (90'+7)
GOAL! Bournemouth 2-1 Leeds: Longstaff equalizes deep in stoppage time (90'+7)
GOAL! Bournemouth 2-1 Leeds: Adams finds Rayan with a cross (86')
GOAL! Bournemouth 1-1 Leeds: Gnonto’s shot goes in off Hill’s heel (68')
GOAL! Bournemouth 1-0 Leeds: Senesi slots Kroupi through with a brilliant pass (60')
Bournemouth starting XI
Petrovic - Jimenez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert - Scott, Christie, Tavernier - Brooks, Kroupi, Evanilson
Leeds starting XI
Darlow - Justin, Bijol, Struijk - Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson - Aaronson, Okafor, Calvert-Lewin
How to watch Bournemouth vs Leeds live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 3pm ET Wednesday (April 22)
Venue: Vitality Stadium — Bournemouth
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Watch on Peacock
Daniel Farke’s side has taken eight points from their last four games (2W-2D-0L) to go from just two points clear of relegation, to now eight points with five games left to play, even if they still sit in the same 15th spot in the table. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is making a last-gasp push for a place in England’s World Cup squad with 11 PL goals this season, as well in the FA Cup quarterfinal victory over West Ham.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, are right in the thick of the European race, hoping to sneak into 6th place and the UEFA Champions League next season (if Aston Villa, who currently sit 4th, win the Europa League) after reeling off 13 games without a defeat (6W-7D-0L). Andoni Iraola has already confirmed he will leave the club when his contract expires this summer, and the club announced this week that former Borussia Dortmund and RB Lepizig boss Marco Rose will replace him as head coach this summer.
Bournemouth team news, focus
OUT: Justin Kluivert (knee), Lewis Cook (thigh) | QUESTIONABLE: Julio Soler (thigh)
Leeds team news, focus
OUT: Anton Stach (ankle), Daniel James (groin)
Bournemouth vs Leeds prediction
Bournemouth’s press will give Leeds’ backline plenty of problems, especially if Farke elects to rotate with the semifinal in mind. Bournemouth 2-1 Leeds.
