Many Bournemouth fans feared going to Elland Road more than they would have a trip to any top six team – and for 93 minutes, their fears were realised. But up stepped Eli Junior Kroupi for his first Premier League goal, meaning Andoni Iraola’s men escaped Leeds with a point. Here are five things I felt we learned in yesterday’s draw:

1. This squad has immense heart – even when playing badly

This point is both a positive and a negative – as I think it is better to be up front with how disappointing Bournemouth were at times yesterday. But even in saying that, nothing should be taken away from Leeds, who were very good, and had they walked away with all three points, most people in the ground would have said it was well deserved. It was a frustrating watch at times, with Leeds winning key battles, looking hungrier, sharper, playing with more urgency. Usually, it would be Bournemouth who you pin those attributes to. The hosts created more chances (19 shots to 12, with 16 of Leeds’ shots inside the area), had more touches in the opposition box (35 compared to 21), plus won more tackles and duels. But all the most important stat is the scoreline, and that was level, with AFCB refusing to give up despite a lack of chances created. That shows a lot of character and fight within the team, with it being a game that would’ve been lost in recent years. Good teams grind out results when not playing well.

2. Defending crosses continues to be a problem

Leeds had seven corners yesterday; it felt like they won the first contact on every single one of them. Of course, Joe Rodon’s equaliser came from a corner, although Djordje Petrovic would have had it covered if it weren’t for a deflection from Antoine Semenyo. AFCB had already looked susceptible to crosses this season, conceding from two going into the game, which was backed up by the fact Leeds completed 56% (9) of their crosses yesterday. The visitors were probably fortunate they didn’t concede more from crosses – they need to show an improvement on winning first contacts from balls into the box. It was far too easy for Leeds to hang crosses to the back post and win the first contact from corners yesterday. Tommy Elphick is the man who organises defensive set pieces, so there will be some work for him to do to make sure sides don’t target them in that area.

3. Junior Kroupi may be 18, but showed fantastic character

Kroupi had played just 30 minutes of Premier League football since joining from Lorient, and having missed a very good chance in the 86th minute, it would have been easy for the young Frenchman to snatch at his opportunity in the 93rd minute. But even with Evanilson right in his eyeliner (desperately trying to get out of the way), Kroupi calmly volleyed home into the far corner with the composure of a man who had been doing so all his life. It was a fantastic finish, when the team needed most, but also a testament to the character of Kroupi. For a very young man to move to a new country, acclimatise to the best league in the world, all without playing many minutes, must be extremely difficult. But that late, late equaliser was a great way for the young man to buy some more minutes from Andoni Iraola. It certainly won’t be his last goal in the Premier League.

4. Ben Gannon-Doak is an exciting young talent

Gannon-Doak had played just 45 minutes of cup football in over a month since joining from Liverpool, biding his time for Premier League action. It finally came yesterday in the 73rd minute as Iraola made his fourth change whilst chasing the game, and there were very promising signs from the young Scotsman. Stats will tell you he completed 0/3 dribbles – but two of those won corners, and it was really refreshing to see him constantly try and beat his man, rather than taking on the safe option. In comparison, Amine Adli, who had a very disappointing full PL debut, only attempted two dribbles in his 60 minutes. Gannon-Doak also found himself with an opportunity to win it at the death, but the ball didn’t quite fall for him and his effort was blocked. But having seen very little of him in a Bournemouth shirt, his minutes were very promising – he should be happy with the impact he made. Like Kroupi, his performance was a true testament to his character; I would expect to see much more of him in a red & black shirt going forward.

5. None of the new starters took their chance

Three changes were made to the XI from the Newcastle game, with Ryan Christie (who captained the side), Justin Kluivert and Amine Adli coming into the side. It is safe to say that none of those three took the chance they were given. Christie and Kluivert look to be showing the effects of not having had a pre-season and losing their places in the team as a result. There were touches of their class in their 60 minutes at Elland Road, but neither looked themselves, as they perhaps lack the rhythm that they would be used to by now. Adli never looked too threatening and will be disappointed not to have grabbed the opportunity by the scruff of the neck. Alex Scott, Marcus Tavernier and David Brooks were taken out of the XI, but all three were brought on in the 60th minute, and I would expect all three to be reinstated against Fulham next Friday. Brooks in particular showed his importance, leading by example as captain. He showed a desire and willingness to drive forward that was absent from most of the game from a Bournemouth perspective. It was his free kick (won by Scott) that lead to Kroupi’s equaliser, too. I doubt he will be dropped again anytime soon.

All these things and I didn’t even get to mention that we scored a direct free kick – which almost never happens! As previously mentioned, it was encouraging (and a relief) to take a point when not playing well. Credit to Leeds, who, after going behind, were very good. For now, the unbeaten run continues, and the table looks very good indeed. UTCIAD.