What an afternoon it almost was for Joe Gelhardt at Leeds United.
Well, the 19-year-old still won’t be forgetting this afternoon’s trip to Chelsea, even though it ended in heartbreak for Leeds.
Jorginho slotted a stoppage-time penalty as Chelsea beat Marcelo Bielsa’s side 3-2 at Stamford Bridge.
However, it looked like United would bring a point back to West Yorkshire with them because Gelhardt climbed off the bench and within minutes, the scoreline was 2-2.
The former Wigan Athletic sensation converted a Tyler Roberts pass for what was his first senior goal for Leeds.
Here’s what Stephen Warnock said about the teenager on BBC Sport, describing him as a ‘special player’.
He told BBC Sport: “Delighted for Joe Gelhardt, Leeds fans know all about him. They wanted him to make that step up from the U23’s with Patrick Bamford not fully fit. What a story that is, he’s a special player.”
Dreadfully unlucky
Gelhardt would’ve absolutely loved if his first-ever Leeds goal could’ve been part of a meaningful result.
How brilliant would it have been if the Elland Road club brought a well-earned point with them back up North?
Still, scoring away at Chelsea, three minutes after replacing Raphinha, underlines what everybody knows: Leeds have an absolute gem in the form of Gelhardt.
The attacker doesn’t even turn 20 until May, illustrating that Bielsa has a cracking player with frightening potential on his hands here.
As Warnock said, this is a special player and one who’s simply going to get a lot better.
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