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Result: Deflected Jimenez strike sees Wolves past Leeds and up to sixth

Result: Deflected Jimenez strike sees Wolves past Leeds and up to sixth
© Reuters
A deflected strike from Raul Jimenez wrong-footed Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

Raul Jimenez’s deflected strike clinched Wolves a 1-0 win at Leeds and catapulted them up to sixth place in the Premier League table.

The Mexico striker’s tame second-half effort wrong-footed Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier after hitting Kalvin Phillips on the head to seal his side’s third league win of the season.

Wolves had seen an earlier effort from Romain Saiss ruled out by the video assistant referee for offside.

But Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, rewarded for an improved second-half display, were fortunate to leave Elland Road with all three points having been outplayed in the first period.

Leeds made a flying start. Bamford’s early header was ruled out for offside and they had a penalty appeal turned down after Helder Costa went down under Joao Moutinho’s challenge.

Rodrigo headed over and Costa dragged his effort wide after more slick build-up down the right, with Wolves pinned in their own half.

Luke Ayling, Leeds’ captain on the night following Liam Cooper’s late withdrawal due to a groin injury, saw his fierce shot blocked by Max Kilman and Rodrigo was wayward with another header.

Twice in quick succession from Phillips’ corners, Rodrigo’s thumping drives were blocked as Leeds chased the opening goal they deserved.

Wolves served warning of their threat on the break in time added on at the end of the first half when a fierce Daniel Podence shot was well saved by Meslier.

The visitors enjoyed their best spell at the start of the second period and were denied the opening goal by the video assistant referee.

Saiss thought he had given his side a 54th-minute lead with a superb finish from the edge of the area, but VAR ruled Podence was in an offside position.

Meslier produced a flying save to turn away Podence’s effort shortly afterwards and Leeds all of a sudden had a different fight on their hands.

Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers – Premier League – Elland Road
Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo (right) and Conor Coady celebrate after the final whistle (Michael Regan/PA)

Wolves added more bite to every challenge and were rewarded for their extra aggression when Jimenez gave them the lead in the 70th minute.

He was allowed too much time to cut inside from the right and after switching onto his right foot, his shot deflected off Phillips’ head, wrong-footing Meslier and into the opposite corner.

Pablo Hernandez went close for Leeds soon after replacing Pascal Struijk in the 75th minute, but his effort was blocked by Willy Boly.

Leeds sent on latest signing Raphinha for Jack Harrison with eight minutes left and continued to press for the equaliser, but failed to carve out a clear opening and Wolves held on.

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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City24175249153456
2Manchester UnitedMan Utd24137450311946
3Leicester CityLeicester24144642261646
4Chelsea24126640241642
5West Ham UnitedWest Ham2412663728942
6Liverpool24117645321340
7Everton2311483533237
8Aston Villa22113836241236
9Tottenham HotspurSpurs23106736251136
10Arsenal24104103125634
11Leeds UnitedLeeds23102114042-232
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2486102532-730
13Southampton2385103039-929
14Crystal Palace2485112742-1529
15Burnley2476111830-1227
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2451182530-526
17Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2474132540-1525
18Fulham24310112032-1219
19West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom2427151955-3613
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2432191540-2511

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