Credit: Imago

Richie Mills

Thu 23 April 2026 9:10, UK Updated Thu 23 April 2026 10:25, UK

Leeds United‘s chances of staying up received another boost after a last-gasp draw at high-flying Bournemouth.

In the reverse fixture in late September, Bournemouth snatched a stoppage-time equaliser at Elland Road in a 2-2 draw, in a game Leeds should have won.

The roles reversed on Wednesday, however, as the Cherries felt hard done by after Sean Longstaff crashed in a 97th-minute leveller in another 2-2 encounter.

Leeds had 40 per cent possession, 10 shots to Bournemouth’s 17, Karl Darlow made five saves to Djordje Petrovic’s two, and the hosts won the Expected Goals battle (1.45 vs 0.83).

But Leeds’ battling spirit was on full display at Vitality Stadium, as they went nine points clear of 18th-placed Tottenham with four matches remaining.

Leeds’ survival chances increase again

After an uninspiring first half, the match burst into life on the hour mark when Eli Junior Kroupi swept home for his 11th Premier League goal of the season.

Eight minutes later, though, Leeds were level when Wilfried Gnonto’s effort deflected off the unsuspecting James Hill.

Rayan restored Bournemouth’s advantage with five minutes to go before Evanilson looked to have wrapped up the result, only for his goal to be ruled out for offside.

And then, more drama followed when Longstaff volleyed in from the penalty spot to take Daniel Farke‘s side to 40 points.

Now, according to Opta Analyst, Leeds’ relegation chances have fallen to a minuscule 0.25 per cent, while Tottenham, who do have a game in hand, are at 59.06 per cent.

And if the supercomputer’s prediction is anything to go by, Leeds will now finish as high as ninth in the Premier League on 50 points.

Just one point more than that prediction could see the Whites finish in a European spot, which really would be a truly remarkable feat.

All eyes on Wembley for Leeds

Leeds weren’t at their best but bagged a valuable point at Bournemouth, who haven’t lost in the league since January and are chasing Europe.

Just when it looked like Leeds would head into their FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea on a sour note, their powers of recovery were on full display again.

Now, they can look forward to their first FA Cup semi-final since 1987, as they aim to heap more misery on manager-less Chelsea.

The Blues sacked Liam Rosenior after just three months in charge on Wednesday, and Leeds will be smelling blood on Sunday.