Sports

Deflected Raul Jimenez strike gives Wolves narrow win over Leeds

A Raul Jimenez shot that took a heavy deflection off the head of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips gave

Sentinel Digital Desk

LONDON: A Raul Jimenez shot that took a heavy deflection off the head of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips gave Wolverhampton Wanderers a hard-fought 1-0 away win in the Premier League on Monday.

Leeds dominated possession in the opening half, firing crosses into the box at a variety of angles and threatening from set pieces without creating much in the way of clear-cut chances.

For all their attacking endeavour, they were almost made to pay in first-half stoppage time when Wolves sliced them open on the counter-attack, but Daniel Podence fired a powerful shot straight at goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who batted it away.

Wolves improved greatly in the second half and Romain Saiss thought he had given his side the lead with a wonderful flick and volley in the 53rd minute. However, the goal was ruled out by the video assistant referee when Podence was deemed to be offside in the build-up.

Wolves finally broke the deadlock when Jimenez drifted in from the right and cut back to shoot. Phillips reacted quickest and attempted to head clear, but only succeeded in wrong-footing Meslier as the ball flew into the net.

Pedro Hernandez had a good chance deflected over for a corner as Leeds pressed forward looking for an equaliser. However, the Wolves defence held firm to hand Leeds their first home defeat of the season.

The win put Wolves sixth on nine points from five games, behind Leicester City and Arsenal on goal difference. Newly-promoted Leeds are 10th with seven points.

Promoted West Bromwich Albion and Burnley fought out a 0-0 draw after both sides missed chances to register a first win of the season in a pulsating clash.

It was the top flight's first goalless match of the season which did neither team any favours in a bid to move clear of the relegation zone.

The result left West Brom 17th in the standings on two points from five games, while 18th-placed Burnley have one from four after a dominant second-half performance.

West Brom coach Slaven Bilic was disappointed with the outcome, although he praised his side and conceded a share of the spoils was a fair result. Agencies