Leicester started the night knowing that a win would keep them firmly in the hunt for the much sought-after second spot. However, Neil Warnock's men had promotion ambitions of their own going into this contest.
Pearson opted for an attacking formation which featured Harry Kane and David Nugent playing alongside Chris Wood.
Despite a string of good chances early on, most notably a Knockaert effort from ten yards that flew harmlessly over the bar, the Foxes' attacking endeavours never looked like paying dividends.
After a goalless first half, Leeds flew out of the blocks after the interval. When a Ross McCormack corner found it's way to full-back Byram, the 19-year-old was able to steer the ball home to hand the visitors the lead.
Chances were few and far between for the Foxes thereafter, and Leeds were making light work of seeing out their win.
But with minutes left on the clock, Martyn Waghorn's corner was converted by the head of Michael Keane to hand Leicester a share of the spoils and deny Leeds an away win that would have pushed them ever-closer to the play-off pack.
Despite the late equaliser, the disappointing result sees City remain in fifth place. But, with the gap to second-placed Watford now eight points, Nigel Pearson's men will need a minor miracle if they are to gain automatic promotion this season.
In fact, they now face the very realistic possibility of missing out on the play-offs altogether if their poor form continues - something that no fan could have predicted just weeks ago.