Leeds out of relegation zone with thrilling 4-2 win over Wolves

Updated: Oct 12, 2023, 03:20 pm
Leeds picked up their second league win under Javi Gracia against Wolves on Saturday.
Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images

Leeds United moved out of the Premier League relegation zone after a thrilling 4-2 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Jack Harrison smashed home the opener for Leeds from close-range in the sixth minute after being picked out by teenager Wilfried Gnonto's pinpoint cross.

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Luke Ayling doubled the lead from a corner early in the second half and Leeds substitute Rasmus Kristensen added a third just after the hour mark from a tight angle after outmuscling Wolves defender Jonny.

Jonny pulled a goal back for the hosts three minutes later in emphatic style, volleying home into an empty net from 40 yards after goalkeeper Illan Meslier left his penalty area to head the ball clear and found himself stranded.

Matheus Cunha cut the deficit further with a deflected shot on 73 minutes and Wolves pushed hard for an equaliser before Jonny was shown a red card for a high challenge on Ayling that left the Leeds fullback writhing in agony.

The sending off in the 84th minute took the wind out of Wolves' sails and substitute Rodrigo chipped Jose Sa to score Leeds' fourth in the seventh minute of injury time, despite referee Michael Salisbury being asked by VAR to check for a foul in the build-up.

Salisbury was advised to check the pitchside monitor for a tug on Wolves winger Adama Traore's shirt, but the official decided Rodrigo's strike should stand despite the clear contact.

The decision, one of several that went against Wolves, including a shout for a penalty in the first half, enraged the home side and unused substitute Matheus Nunes became their second player to be sent off, this time for protesting.

Leeds, who started the day 19th in the table, climbed five places to 14th after registering just their sixth league win of the season and second since manager Javi Gracia took over at the end of February. Wolves stayed in 13th place.