Leeds were worth of their point says Potter as Marsch’s men battle to avoid relegation
Graham Potter thought Leeds United were worthy of a point as the Whites took their battle to avoid the drop into the last day of the season.
Pascal Struijk headed a stoppage-time equaliser as Leeds snatched a vital point in their fight for Premier League survival with a 1-1 draw against Brighton.
Late substitute Struijk headed home at the far post in the second minute of added time to lift Leeds out of the bottom three after Danny Welbeck had given Albion a half-time lead at Elland Road.
Potter said: “In the first half we created some really good opportunities.
“We had lots of good play, good opportunities and got into the final third and the box a lot. But, in fairness, in the second half Rob [Sanchez] had to make a couple of good saves, so I wouldn’t begrudge Leeds their point.
“We probably needed the second goal to kill it off, and
Danny’s chance was the best one, but that’s football.
“We didn’t get it and in the end you always leave yourself open to that.
“I’m proud of the players though because it was a tough game, a tough environment, and a tough challenge for us in terms of how much it meant for the opposition.
“It meant a lot for us, of course, but we haven’t got the knife to our throat in terms of relegation, so I think we performed really well.
“Overall, the result was probably about right and in a tough environment, against an opponent fighting for everything, we take the point.”
Potter also praised the contribution of his striker Welbeck who scored a sublime opener and delivered a decent allround display.
“It was a great finish,” Potter said.
“Danny’s been great for us, on and off the pitch, even when he was playing a different
role.
“As soon as he’s fully fit and enjoying his football, he’s a top player and I enjoy working with him. I’m pretty sure he’ll be with us next year.”
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.
Moises Caicedo shot straight at Illan Meslier from six yards and then Solly March dragged his attempt wide after finding himself one-on-one with the Leeds goalkeeper.
Pascal Gross was next to test Meslier as the hosts repeatedly gave up the ball and Brighton far too easily exposed their frailties at the back.
The visitors’ opening goal duly arrived, courtesy of more lightweight Leeds defending, in the 21st minute and the hosts only had themselves to blame.
Club-record signing Rodrigo – not for the first time – dithered in possession and Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma was left unchallenged as he came away with the ball and ventured into Leeds’ half.
Bissouma’s ball down the right channel appeared to pose little immediate danger, but Welbeck out-paced and out-muscled Diego Llorente before dinking an excellent finish over Meslier.
Leeds boss Jesse Marsch admitted he sensed doubt among some of his players during the interval.
“I could still see the looks on their faces at half-time that we weren’t 100 per cent believing that we could do it,” he said. “In the end they did that really well and they emptied their tanks and invested so much to get us that point, which could end up being a massive point for us.”