Brighton and Hove Albion keeper Rob Sanchez was in fine form against Leeds United at Elland RoadBrighton and Hove Albion keeper Rob Sanchez was in fine form against Leeds United at Elland Road
Brighton and Hove Albion keeper Rob Sanchez was in fine form against Leeds United at Elland Road

Brighton player ratings: Robert Sanchez and Lewis Dunk immense but Pascal Struijk keeps Leeds United's hopes alive

Brighton and Hove Albion were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw as Leeds United kept their survival hopes alive with late leveller at Elland Road
By Derren Howard
Published 15th May 2022, 16:30 BST
Updated 15th May 2022, 17:10 BST

Leeds almost made a dream start when Joe Gelhardt’s effort following a corner was inadvertently blocked on the goal-line by the face of his skipper Liam Cooper.

But Brighton wasted little time in showing their intentions as they close in on their highest-ever finish in English football by creating two big chances in quick succession.

Brighton took a 21st-minute lead as Danny Welbeck raced on to Yves Bissouma’s pass, comfortably side-stepped Diego Llorente’s challenge and dinked an excellent finish beyond goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

Leeds improved after going behind, but trailed 1-0 at half-time to Brighton, with the visitors indebted to a brilliant save from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who kept out Klich’s goalbound shot in the 42nd minute.

With time running out, the home fans sensed it was not to be their day and a section turned on the club’s hierarchy.

A chorus of “Sack the board” rang out as Welbeck missed a golden chance to seal victory for the Seagulls in the closing stages by heading Leandro Trossard’s cross wide.

But in the second minute of added time, Joe Gelhardt evaded several challenges in Brighton’s box and crossed to the far post where Pascal Struijk rose to head home a vital equaliser.

Logan MacLeod was our man at Elland Road today and here’s how he rated Graham Potter’s Brighton players in their last away match of the season.

Pulled off two quality saves to tip Klich's effort around the post and Raphinha's free-kick on to the bar. Was winding up Leeds fans all game with his slow goal-kicks. Flapped at a few corners. 7/10

1. Sanchez

Pulled off two quality saves to tip Klich's effort around the post and Raphinha's free-kick on to the bar. Was winding up Leeds fans all game with his slow goal-kicks. Flapped at a few corners. 7/10 Photo: OLI SCARFF

Good battle at right-back against Jack Harrison. Solid in the air. Did his duties well. 6/10

2. Joel Veltman

Good battle at right-back against Jack Harrison. Solid in the air. Did his duties well. 6/10 Photo: George Wood

Quality from the captain today right until the last moments. Dominated Gelhardt for the majority but was beaten late on which saw Leeds equalise. Made a couple of vital blocks and interceptions to keep Leeds out. 7/10

3. Lewis Dunk -

Quality from the captain today right until the last moments. Dominated Gelhardt for the majority but was beaten late on which saw Leeds equalise. Made a couple of vital blocks and interceptions to keep Leeds out. 7/10 Photo: George Wood

Albion's player's player of the season was at it again today. Up and down the pitch, defending and attacking with quality. Was beaten a few times with long balls in behind to Raphinha. Brilliant recovery to put Raphinha off a certain goal-scoring opportunity. 7/10

4. Marc Cucurella -

Albion's player's player of the season was at it again today. Up and down the pitch, defending and attacking with quality. Was beaten a few times with long balls in behind to Raphinha. Brilliant recovery to put Raphinha off a certain goal-scoring opportunity. 7/10 Photo: OLI SCARFF

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Related topics:BrightonLeeds UnitedPascal StruijkLiam CooperJoe Gelhardt