Joe Gelhardt becomes first teenager to score a Premier League goal for Leeds in 17 years

Joe Gelhardt will never forget the thrill of his debut Premier League goal even though he was eclipsed by a frenzied final and late winner Chelsea.

“An incredible experience,” Gelhardt told LUTV after coming off the bench in the 82nd minute against the European Champions to score an equalizer with his first touch. “When I saw him come in my eyes lit up and when he walked in I hardly knew what to do, how to react, but it was a special moment.”

He escaped Thiago Silva to beat Edouard Mendy on a Tyler Roberts cross and became the first teenager to score in the Premier League for Leeds since 18-year-old James Milner in 2004.

He was delighted to have scored his first Premier League goal and celebrated in front of the away fans.

The only surprise will be if this goal is not followed by many others because Gelhardt has a real impact this season.

The 19-year-old came off the bench to shake Wolves at Elland Road in October, winning a penalty to score a late point, and made his first start at Tottenham.

At Stamford Bridge on Saturday, he looked set to secure another draw for his side until Jorginho’s penalty won for Chelsea in the 94th minute.

“It was unfortunate in the end,” Gelhardt said. “It takes away a little bit of the advantage. “

Born in Liverpool, he is a product of the excellent academy of Wigan, where he made his senior debut at 16 before the club went administrative in 2020, forcing them to sell the best of their young talent at a relatively low price. bottom, Leeds diving for Gelhardt.

Jorginho scored a late winner for Chelsea, but it was still a memorable afternoon for Gelhardt