'On their knees': Phil Hay spots who Raphinha embraced on the pitch as Leeds beat Brentford

By Lee Connor

Leeds United secured a dramatic final day survival as a late goal from Jack Harrison sent the Whites supporters into raptures at Brentford.

A penalty from Raphinha had given Leeds the winning margin they needed against the Bees, only for Sergi Canos to put the jitters up the Leeds supporters and Jesse Marsch. However, Jack Harrison left it to the very end to fire in a winner from the edge of the box to ensure the Whites preserved their Premier League place for another season.

Of course, it meant Burnley joined Watford and Norwich in being relegated to the Championship. But for Leeds, they won’t care one jot and it means they can plan for another season of PL football. And with that, it means they might even keep a few of their top players, such as Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips.

Raphinha’s future at Elland Road has been up in the air for some weeks now. And after the game today, Raphinha was first seen in the away end with the Leeds fans, before being spotted by Phil Hay in an embrace with Victor Orta, who was almost in tears on the pitch.

TBR’s View: Raphinha Signs Off In Style At Leeds

As Hay says, if this was the final act in the script for Raphinha at Leeds, then he did the business and delivered the most dramatic of finishes.

The Brazilian stepped up to the plate when it mattered and his ice cool penalty was the perfect tonic Leeds needed in what was a tense affair at Brentford.

For Leeds, they can now plan for the future. Whether that’s with or without Raphinha, remains to be seen. However, staying in the Premier League means that the club give themselves the best chance possible of keeping their star man.