Gelhardt gives Marsch first Leeds win in dramatic finale against Norwich

As the strains of Kaiser Chiefs’ I Predict A Riot blasted out of the sound system and jubilant Leeds players engulfed Joe Gelhardt, their Norwich counterparts simply sat down on the pitch, seemingly unable to comprehend what had just happened.

Dean Smith’s team were not alone. When, in the 91st minute, Kenny McLean equalised for a Norwich side still stuck to the bottom of the Premier League, Jesse Marsch looked close to despair. Marcelo Bielsa’s successor had seen his Leeds players dominate an increasingly bad-tempered game before losing concentration and control in the closing stages. Then, in the 92nd minute Marsch flicked his final tactical switch, introducing Gelhardt’s attacking talent.

Two minutes later the 19-year-old stabbed home the winner after Raphinha rounded Tim Krul and as Elland Road celebrated the first win of Marsch’s tenure, Smith’s world collapsed. “Jesus, where do I start,” said Norwich’s manager when he was asked to describe what had occurred. “We’ll be sore for a while now.”

As the sight of the Leeds director of football, Victor Orta, breaking down in tears at the final whistle confirmed, the end of the team’s run of eight games without a win, and six successive defeats, felt momentous. “There was a lot of emotion,” said Marsch, looking very much the All American coach in his jeans and sneakers combo. “I’d heard a lot about the magic of Elland Road and we felt it.

“We deserved to win and I think it can be pivotal. It’s a massive three points and, on my deathbed, I’ll reflect on this day, it was a special moment for the club and the entire city. The points are big but the moment’s even bigger.”

Marsch talked approvingly of “increased tactical clarity” on the pitch but significantly his first win