Leeds United news: Paul Merson and Jeff Stelling blown away by ‘unbelievable’ Joe Gelhardt
Paul Merson was completely blown away by Joe Gelhardt’s role in a last-minute equaliser for Leeds United when they drew 1-1 with Brighton at Elland Road on Sunday (15 May).
Gelhardt, 20, didn’t have the best games but popped up with a superb piece of skill ahead of assisting Pascal Struijk’s goal in the second minute of stoppage time.
The Sky Sports News studio went crazy when Struijk, 22, scored and special praise was given to Gelhardt by Merson.
“Gelhardt has done a bit of skill, if Messi would have done it you’d be going mad,” said Merson on Sky Sports News on Sunday (15 May, 03:23pm).
“Unbelievable by the kid under pressure.
“Look at that, that is an unbelievable bit of play.”
Jeff Stelling later dubbed Gelhardt’s play as “fantastic” and a moment of “brilliance.”
Incredible
While Gelhardt struggled throughout the game against Brighton, there’s a reason why you want this kid on the pitch at the end of games.
That’s three match-saving impacts that Gelhardt has had late on in matches this season with the youngster winning a late penalty to draw against Wolves, a last-minute winner against Norwich and now a last-minute assist to move the Whites out of the relegation zone.
This doesn’t mean we’re safe, by the way.
Leeds are 17th and out of the red at the moment.
However, Burnley have two games left and both of them, on paper, are far easier than the one they had against Tottenham on Sunday.
The Clarets face Aston Villa away and then Newcastle at home – neither team has anything to play for.
Leeds only have a game against Brentford, which is away on the road in West London.
It’s still not in our hands but at least we’ve given ourselves a fighting chance now.
In other Leeds United news, Gelhardt has been told to quit Elland Road after a shock report emerged by The Telegraph.