Leeds had looked like they were set to claim an unconvincing win after substitute forward Wilfried Gnonto drilled them in front four minutes from the end of normal time, but Slovenian Vipotnik’s low drive meant the Whites missed the chance to reclaim top spot in the Championship.
The Swans couldn’t have wished for a worse start when Daniel Farke’s side had first gone ahead after just 35 seconds when American Brenden Aaronson finished off a goalmouth scramble by poking home from point-blank range.
Swansea improved and would have the best of the first half but would not be able to capitalise. Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier saving his team keeping out Josh Tymon’s first-half penalty after former Swan Joe Rodon brought down Lewis O’Brien in the box.
The Frenchman thought would go from hero to villain as his fumble allowed away defender Harry Darling to score a simple equaliser.
Gnonto thought he had won it with almost his first touch after coming off the bench late only for Vipotnik’s shot from a tight angle to go under Meslier and into the net to dramatically snatch a point for the visitors deep in stoppage-time.
The Swans moved seven points away from the relegation zone with six games to play whilst Leeds stay in second position.
“I think we deserved at least a point out there today; we were tactically excellent,” said Swans boss Sheehan after the game.
““Leeds are one of the best teams in the league – if not the best – and it’s the toughest ground to go to.
“To start like that was disappointing. and I let the players know that at half-time, because we know if you do that at Elland Road the place can get on top of you.
“But the players showed great character, and we controlled most of the rest of that first half.
“We missed the penalty, we hit the post, we had chances, and we were dangerous with what we wanted to do.
“Obviously we scored after the break, but then they got the goal – we had a man switch off – but we kept going.
“But Joe Allen played that pass into Vipotnik and it was wonderful to see the two substitutes combine. To come here and get a point shows the belief and the togetherness that we have right now.”
“We talk about character, desire and application, and the players were just so determined to work hard for the badge.
“That was the message beforehand, you cannot do anything individually at a place like this, you have to do it as a collective and I am so, so proud of the players.
“When you come to places like this, you really find out things about your players.
“You have a nightmare start, and in that situation it’s about the quality and leadership of the group. We showed that togetherness until the very, very end.”
[Lead image: Swansea City FC]
