Leeds United manager Daniel Farke hailed a “priceless” point as they twice fought back from a goal down to draw 2-2 at Bournemouth.
Bournemouth, who could have moved into sixth place with a win, took the lead on the hour mark through Junior Kroupi, only for Leeds to level soon after as James Hill inadvertently put through his own net.
Rayan appeared to have won it when he converted Tyler Adams’ cross five minutes from time, but there was a twist in the tale in the 97th minute as Sean Longstaff volleyed home to secure a share of the spoils after Bournemouth failed to clear a long throw.
Farke: Leeds relegation fight not done
The draw moves Leeds onto 40 points, putting them nine points clear of the Premier League bottom three, though Farke will not celebrate too soon even with his side now looking set to avoid relegation.
“I am just proud of my boys because we have lost lots of energy in the last couple of weeks and today was one of fight, mentality, belief and fighting until the end,” Farke told Sky Sports.
“In our home game we were the better side and we conceded a late equaliser, today it was the other way around. Bournemouth were on it today, it’s Andoni [Iraola] last games and I expected an emotional home side and I think they were the better side but we found a way to fight against all the setbacks. Priceless for us and very proud of the boys.”
“I’ve experienced long enough in this business so we will celebrate when it’s [the relegation fight] mathematically done but I am confident. We will celebrate when there is something to celebrate. We will keep our foot on the gas.”
Leeds now face Chelsea in the semi-final of the FA Cup at Wembley on Sunday.
The Blues sacked head coach Liam Rosenior on Wednesday following five successive league defeats without scoring a goal.
“We are definitely not the favourites but from tomorrow we will concentrate, but today I am just happy we travel away with a priceless point,” Farke added.
Asked about Rosenior’s exit, he said: “I have not thought one second about it but I see a squad full of potential and unbelievable talent. It’s no coincidence in the summer they won the Club World Cup.
“When the team is on it, it can be a very dangerous team. We are the underdog but it’s a situation we know from the league and we want to deliver in the best possible manner.”
Offside decisions irritate Iraola
While Farke was left delighted, outgoing Bournemouth boss Iraola was highly frustrated at two decisions that went against his team.
Evanilson appeared to have made it 3-1 when he jinked through to find the net, but saw his goal ruled out for a tight offside. Longstaff then made that moment all the more painful, with Iraola adamant Joel Piroe had obstructed the view of goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic from an offside position for the late leveller.
“It’s a difficult one to swallow,” Iraola told Sky Sports. “Our offside is millimetres but you have to accept the machine. He [Evanilson] is one millimetre ahead of the last defender.
“But the last goal I cannot accept. Joel Piroe is offside, it makes Petro’s job more difficult. He doesn’t see. If you put a wall in front of the keeper, it’s offside.
“Two points we lose because of the decision. Piroe makes the save more difficult, there is no discussion. Would he have saved it? I don’t know. It makes it more difficult.
“I am not going to discuss the 50-50s, the penalty of Brooksy [David Brooks] but this one I cannot accept because it is two massive points for us.
“I am waiting [for the referee].I am waiting 30 minutes. I will go straight away to talk to him. It doesn’t matter but it’s offside. You cannot have any benefit from an offside position. How much it affects? It’s not a discussion – 0.1% – it’s offside.”
Bournemouth, who are six points behind Liverpool in the fifth and final Champions League qualification place, have an extended break before facing Crystal Palace on May 3.