Brighton’s European hopes took a huge hit after a late Dominic Calvert-Lewin strike earned Leeds a 1-0 win in their final home game of the season.
The Seagulls needed to win at Elland Road to ensure seventh place, but the England striker capitalised on errors to score his 14th Premier League goal of the year.
Jan Paul van Hecke’s poor attempted pass back for Bart Verbruggen – who was well out of his area – was easily intercepted by Calvert-Lewin. With the goal open, it was then a slotted finish from the Leeds man in the sixth minute of added time.
It was Leeds’ only shot on target and the perfect way for Daniel Farke’s side to finish their home campaign after their Premier League status was secured last week.
Brighton will feel it was a game they should have won, having had 19 shots and eight on target. The majority of those shots (13) came in an improved second half, having never really got going in the opening 45 minutes.
They did not work Karl Darlow until the 43rd minute as the Leeds goalkeeper made a fingertip save to keep out Pascal Gross’s swerving effort. Immediately after, Verbruggen was needed to stop a Lewis’ Dunk clearance from sneaking in.
But the Seagulls peppered the Leeds area after the break. Ethan Ampadu was needed to block a Danny Welbeck shot in the pick of the chances, while the hosts continued to offer their own warnings at the other end.
There was another injury concern for Leeds, though as Anton Stach was stretchered off in the second half. He had attempted to carry on but a heavily bloodied foot saw him eventually come off and any potential inclusion in Germany’s World Cup squad was thrown into doubt.
Anton Stach is stretchered off after suffering an injury against Brighton
Brighton remain in seventh place, two points behind Bournemouth – who have a game in hand – and one ahead of Brentford in eighth, who twice came from behind to draw against Crystal Palace. Sunderland also beat Everton, and sit in ninth on 51 points.
It means the race for Europe will go down to the final day, with right now enough for European football after Manchester City won the FA Cup on Saturday.
More to follow…
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: skynews.com
