It was a thrilling performance that would’ve done former manager Marcelo Bielsa proud as Leeds improved their prospects of avoiding relegation from the Premier League after staging a stunning comeback with a 3-2 victory over Wolves, with new manager Jesse Marsch saying it was “one of the best”.
Wolves ran the show in the first half and led 2-0 after goals from Jonny Otto and Trincao, while Leeds striker Patrick Bamford suffered an early injury. But the tide turned in favor of Leeds when the rivals’ Mexican forward Raul Jimenez was sent off eight minutes into the second half after earning a second yellow card for colliding with Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
Leeds made the most of their numerical advantage, securing two goals in the space of four minutes from Jack Harrison and Rodrigo that leveled the contest. Additional drama came in stoppage time as Wolves failed to clear a free kick from their area and Ayling lashed home an unstoppable shot in the 90th minute, triggering off pandemonium on the touchline with tempers flaring in both dugout.
New manager Marsch opined that Leeds “can control their own destiny” and retain their Premier League status as the win lifted Leeds seven points clear of the relegation zone.
“I just want us to stay true and stay calm to our process, to push ourselves every day, to finding a way,” the manager said.
“I believe we have the quality of people and of players that we can control our own destiny and find a way to not just survive in this situation, but thrive in it. That’s the goal.”
It has to be said that Leeds’ fightback was all the more impressive after having been forced to withdraw four players – Bamford, Llorente, Klich and Meslier – through injury, three of them before half-time.
Marsch said he told his players Leeds’ win was one of the best he had ever seen.
“I told them this was not just one of the best results in my career, but that I’ve seen in the game, really,” said the American.
“It’s two games in a row now,” Marsch added. “It’s about the character and the hearts of our men. They deserve all the credit. They’re the ones who went for it and believe in themselves and moment after moment pushed the game and we’re going to continue to draw on that mindset.”
Wolves coach Bruno Lage, on the other hand, was displeased with the decision to send off Jimenez, protesting that the second yellow card was uncalled for.
“Everyone saw what happened and now they have the chance to watch on TV,” Lage told the BBC. “It’s a body contact, Raul tried to win the ball. Bad decision – and he [referee Kevin Friend] continued with the opinion he made a good decision.
“In the 45 minutes I think we were the better team. We were a much better team than our opponents. I am very proud of my players.”