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‘Can’t believe what I’ve seen’ – Neville forced to change Leeds relegation opinion after ‘massive’ result

Gary Neville laughing

Gary Neville thought Leeds United looked like a team destined for relegation at half-time of their game against Wolves – only to be shocked by their second-half turnaround.

Leeds United earned a crucial three points in their battle against relegation on Friday night. They were 2-0 down at the half-way stage of their clash with Wolves. But goals from Jack Harrison, Rodrigo and Luke Ayling – the latter in the 91st minute – earned them a valuable win.

It means they have now won back-to-back games for the first time this season. What’s more, they have moved seven points clear of the relegation zone. That said, Everton or Burnley could still catch them by winning games in hand.

But Leeds will feel like a team moving in an upwards direction rather than a downwards one after Friday’s heroics. And pundit Neville seems to have changed his opinion on their survival chances just from their second-half performance.

The former Manchester United defender admitted he could not believe what Leeds did in the second half. He cited the dismissal of Wolves striker Raul Jimenez when the score was still 2-0 as a factor. But regardless, Neville thought it was an “incredible” night for his old rivals.

“I had them down at half-time,” Neville said on Sky Sports.

“I can’t believe what I’ve seen in that second half. The red card had a massive impact on the result, but they still had to go and score three goals. That’s a massive, massive night for Leeds United.

“They know that because it takes them seven points clear.

“For Watford and Burnley, oh my goodness me, that is incredible.

“Football can shock us. The sending off had a huge impact but what a night that is for Leeds.

“It is a big night, a massive night at the bottom of the table. It will have a big impact, that result.”

Marsch reacts to big Leeds United win

Jesse Marsch Leeds United 2022 TEAMtalk1

The win was good news for recently appointed Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch. The American acknowledged that their first-half showing wasn’t good enough, but praised their character to get back in it.

“Yeah the first half wasn’t what we wanted. We knew Wolves are a good team and they were able to pull us apart more than we hoped and the second goal before half-time was a killer,” he told Sky Sports.

“It’s a group that has big hearts, quality young men and I’m very thankful to be here with them and to be in a fight with them because even though I’ve only been here a short while I believe in them.

“When we were a man up you hope we can push on and then we can push for the second goal. And that’s what happened.”

Leeds will next be in action on Saturday 2nd April when they host Southampton after the international break. None of the teams below them play until that weekend either in the league. Therefore, they can reflect positively on their cushion over the next couple of weeks.

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