Leeds dug in for another point in their battle for Premier League survival as they surrendered a one-goal lead to draw 1-1 with Southampton at Elland Road on Saturday.
Leeds had got themselves in front through Jack Harrison’s strike. But Saints, who threatened before half-time, were levelled through a trademark James Ward-Prowse free-kick just after the interval.
Leeds skipper Liam Cooper returned to action for the first time in four months.
Cooper, sidelined due to a hamstring injury since early December, was named in the starting line-up with head coach Jesse Marsch making two changes.
Centre-half Cooper replaced Pascal Struijk and Raphinha – back after recently testing positive for Covid-19 – started in place of Patrick Bamford (foot). Kalvin Phillips was on the bench following his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Southampton made four changes following their recent FA Cup defeat to Manchester City.
Che Adams, Armando Broja, Ibrahima Diallo and Jan Bednarek all returned.
Leeds deservedly took the lead on 29 minutes. Raphina managed to keep the ball in play and lifted the ball into the box, which took a deflection off Fraser Forster. It landed at the feet of Harrison, who tapped it into the bottom right corner.
Leeds had started the better of the two sides and thought they had scored on 22 minutes only to see Harrison’s goal chalked off.
Moreno’s powerful effort hit the body of Forster before Harrison forced it home, but there was a foul in the build-up.
Saints did get themselves into the game as the half worse on and should have been level.
Only a vital clearance from Diego Llorente, on the goalline, stop Mohamed Elounoussi turning in a low cross.
Adams then saw a super effort brilliantly saved by Illan Meslier. While Kyle Walker-Peters shot just wide as the visitors found their feet.
But Saints did get level just four minutes into the second half with a fine free-kick.
James Ward-Prowse, from the left hand side of the box, 25 yards out curls…
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