Leeds United fought back from two goals down to claim an important point from Chelsea.
Leeds United goalscorer Noah Okafor admits Tuesday’s comeback 2-2 draw at Chelsea was a ‘huge result’ in relation to their Premier League survival chances.
Okafor came off the bench to earn Leeds a point with one of the more simple finishes of his career, rolling into an empty Chelsea net after a scramble in the box. The winger’s equaliser came just six minutes after Lukas Nmecha buried a penalty to make it 2-1 and kickstart the comeback.
Leeds conceded either side of half-time through Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer - the latter scoring from the spot following a needless Jaka Bijol push on Pedro - but showed great resilience to claim a draw. That draw kept Okafor’s side six clear of West Ham in 18th and even took them above Tottenham Hotspur into 15th with 12 games to go.
“It is a huge result when it comes to the battle to stay away from the relegation zone,” Okafor told LUTV following the draw. “Every game is intense, every game is difficult in this league and we take it game by game.
“I think it is an incredible feeling to get a point here. We knew it would be a difficult game. And when you are in an away game, 2-0 behind, you turn it around, it is just like a big hug to the whole team, to every player, also to the fans.”
Noah Okafor on Leeds United fans after Chelsea draw
The away end could be heard loud and clear even with Leeds two goals down, Okafor’s chaotic leveller causing bedlam among the 2,900 travelling support. After a big group hug on the pitch, the Swiss international and his teammates went over to the fans to celebrate another important point.
“They were from the first second behind our back,” Okafor added of the away support. “We see the amazing fans travel and support us with this energy. This helped us a lot. So, we did everything. And in the end, we got ourselves a point.
Read More
“For sure three points would be better but this is football and I was happy to help the team with the goal. Now, we just have to continue like this. We are in good shape and the mood in the team is very good, so we have to keep this up and go hard every day.”
It is more likely they remain out of the bottom three by that point, with focus now turning to their FA Cup fourth round trip to Birmingham City on Sunday. Farke is expected to rotate for the clash against Championship opposition, with survival not close to being guaranteed just yet.
Continue Reading