Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Brighton was Gelhardt’s first 90 minutes since the heavy 4-1 defeat by Arsenal in December
The young centre forward put in a fine display at Elland Road with his hard work and determination paying dividend to earn Leeds a crucial point
Gelhardt nearly got the Whites of to a flying start in the early moments of the game. Kalvin Phillips whipped in a menacing corner into an area exactly where the Merseyside man wanted it.
He was making a nuisance of himself with Brighton Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and due to pressure from Gelhardt, the Spaniard fumbled it right into his path but the goal bound effort was blocked cruelly by teammate Liam Cooper.
This would have been the dream start for the player after a long period sitting on the bench.
His promising first half continued into the second. Gelhardt showed his adaptability by coming deep and drawing defender Adam Webster with him so the striker could produce a perfectly weighted pass around the centre back to Rodrigo. The space opened up for Rodrigo to run forward and he produced a brilliant cross into the box to Raphinha who couldn’t quite wrap his foot around the ball to make strong contact.
United where pushing hard for an equalizer knowing that they needed something heading into the final game of the season. Time was running out, yet the former Wigan man dragged his side to a point after some phenomenal technical work.
The forward received the ball on the right hand side and produced a magnificent piece of skill by sitting Lewis Dunk on the floor, dinking the ball over him, and then dinking the ball across to the back post for substitute Pascal Struijk to nod in for the equaliser.
One successful take-on from Gelhardt in the entire game was what secured Leeds an invaluable point.
Joe Gelhardt has now recorded two goals and two assists in the Premier League this season with each one coming in the 83rd minute or later. If Leeds ever need a moment of magic then he is the man they can rely on.