Swansea City

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Alan Sheehan paid tribute to Joe Allen's "top level" contribution to Swansea City's dramatic draw at Leeds United – at the end of the week in which the midfielder's error almost cost Wales in North Macedonia.

Allen was in the headlines for the wrong reasons as his uncharacteristic misplaced led to North Macedonia's opening goal in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier in Skopje.

But Allen's blushes were saved thanks to David Brooks' last-gasp Wales equaliser – and there was further redemption for the Swansea veteran at Elland Road.

Sheehan's team were staring at what would have been a painful defeat after Wilfried Gnonto put Leeds 2-1 up in the closing stages of Saturday's Championship fixture.

But Allen, 35, then produced a moment of quality to beat Ao Tanaka before rolling the ball through for Zan Vipotnik to lash home Swansea's 96th-minute leveller.

"I suppose it's two es this week," said Swansea caretaker head coach Sheehan.

"You are talking about the Joe made for Wales and then you are talking about that inch-perfect, weighted [for Vipotnik].

"This is the detail you are talking about. He is leaving that there in the 96th minute at Elland Road so he can hit it first time… that's top level.

"With some people, you'll need to take a touch there and then it changes. You are looking for those big moments and to be clinical like that."

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Alan Sheehan revealed Josh Tymon stepped up to take Swansea City's spot-kick at Leeds United because new regular penalty-taker Zan Vipotnik was on the bench.

Long-serving club skipper Matt Grimes has been Swansea's preferred choice on penalties in recent years.

But following Grimes' January move to Coventry City, Swansea needed a new man to take the responsibility from 12 yards after Leeds defender Joe Rodon was penalised for a foul on Lewis O'Brien.

Left-wingback Tymon grabbed the ball – but was left with head in hands as Leeds keeper guessed right and saved a penalty which could have been struck more sweetly.

Caretaker head coach Sheehan said it was left to the players on the pitch to decide who took the spot-kick – and insisted there would be no criticism of Tymon.

"That's between the players. This is the leadership and ownership we want them to take," Sheehan said.

"It's the first penalty since Grimesy left, Vipotnik would normally take it.

"Anybody who has the courage to take a penalty at Elland Road, that's fine. It happens. We move on."

The penalty miss came after Leeds went in front inside 35 seconds through Brenden Aaronson.

Harry Darling made it 1-1 after the break only for Wilfried Gnonto to score what looked like being Leeds' winner four minutes from time – but substitute Vipotnik struck a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser to earn Swansea a draw which felt more like a victory.

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Alan Sheehan said togetherness was key for Swansea City as they stunned Leeds United with a 96th-minute equaliser to claim a point at Elland Road.

Swansea looked destined to get no reward for their spirited performance against one of the Championship's heavyweight clubs when Wilfried Gnonto put Leeds 2-1 ahead four minutes from the end of normal time.

But there was a memorable climax to a dramatic game as Zan Vipotnik struck to ensure Swansea became only the fifth visiting side to avoid defeat at Leeds in the second tier this season.

It was a sweet moment for caretaker head coach Sheehan after he agreed to remain in charge until the end of the season with the club declining to offer him a longer-term deal at this stage.

"You see a togetherness and a character and how happy everybody is when we score," the Irishman said.

"We said before the game, no individual can succeed at Elland Road.

"It's got to be a team. Make sure we get to the end of the game and look to the left and the right and think 'you had my back today'. What a feeling that is, hey">