Leeds learn a harsh Premier League lesson as late Bournemouth leveller snatches victory away

Elland Road was ready to celebrate back-to-back league wins until Eli Junior Kroupi arrived, unmarked on the left, to volley Bournemouth level in the third of five added minutes. Leeds had tilted the second half their way through desire and set-piece quality, yet the final act turned a statement victory into a 2-2 draw.

This was a day of promise soured by moments. Dominic Calvert-Lewin had three presentable openings—one inside 15 seconds—only for Djordje Petrovic to win their duel. Leeds recovered from Antoine Semenyo’s clever free-kick with goals from Joe Rodon and Sean Longstaff, but a late lapse at a set play denied a win their performance merited.

Chances for the taking, opportunities spurned

Leeds could scarcely have scripted a faster start. Calvert-Lewin burst clear immediately, but Petrovic spread himself to save. Further chances followed for the summer signing, yet the ball would not go in, the Bournemouth goalkeeper repeatedly standing tall. As Daniel Farke put it, just one team missed the big chances—and it was his.

Those squandered moments became more stark when Semenyo thrashed a 26th-minute free-kick under a jumping wall, sliding it around the draft excluder and beneath Karl Darlow. It was Leeds’ first concession at Elland Road this season, a reminder that minor errors at dead balls are ruthlessly punished.

Set-piece prowess lights the fuse

Leeds answered in kind. Longstaff, whose corner delivery was on point all afternoon, curled to the back post, where Rodon climbed and powered a header goalwards. A touch en route left Petrovic beaten and Elland Road booming for Rodon’s first Premier League goal.

Eight minutes after the restart, the stadium erupted again. A loose ball sat up at the edge of the box and Longstaff met it sweetly with a half-volley that kissed the post on its way in for his first Leeds goal to go with his earlier assist. In just his fourth start since arriving from Newcastle United, he looked authoritative, combative and precise—the heartbeat of Leeds’ best passages.

Grit turns to regret in stoppage time

From there, Leeds fought. They contested duels, compressed space and pushed the Cherries back, with Elland Road feeding off the tackles and second balls. Kroupi did fluff one chance late on, a warning Leeds were unable to heed as legs tired and lines dropped.

The decisive moment came from another free-kick. David Brooks swung it in, Marcos Senesi won the first header and the ball broke to Kroupi on the left, where he volleyed past Darlow. Farke lamented that his side ‘dropped too deep’ in the 94th minute; in a game of fine margins, one loose phase of marking undid an afternoon of industry.

Perspective at Elland Road

There are real positives. Leeds remain unbeaten at home (one win, two draws), the set-piece threat is clear, and Longstaff has announced himself with a first goal and assist while orchestrating much of the play. Rodon’s breakthrough Premier League goal also matters for a team that leans on height and delivery at dead balls.

There is also realism. Leeds sit 11th, and this league punishes lapses—be it a wall that jumps or a line that drops. Farke called it a valuable point but one that stings, given the chances created. Tottenham’s visit on Saturday, 4 October (12:30 BST) arrives quickly; the task now is to turn control and craft into a full reward.