Leeds United were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Brentford in their first home Premier League game of the new season, with Daniel Farke’s side needing a late response to avoid defeat at Elland Road.
The Whites started the match with decent energy and tried to push Brentford back, but clear chances were difficult to find. As the first half developed, the visitors began to show why their attacking threat had caused problems for several Premier League sides.
Leeds then suffered an injury blow when Joe Rodon was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring problem. Things became worse shortly afterwards.
Keane Lewis-Potter delivered a dangerous ball into the box, and Kevin Schade reacted quickest, getting ahead of Jaka Bijol before lifting a clever finish into the top corner to give Brentford the lead.
Farke responded with changes at half-time, but Leeds still struggled to create enough until another pair of substitutes entered the match later on. One of those players, Lukas Nmecha, changed the game.
His movement and energy gave Leeds more life in attack, and he eventually supplied the assist for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to score the equaliser.
The draw was not the result Leeds would have wanted at home, but there were still several encouraging individual performances.
James Trafford: 8/10
Trafford was once again one of Leeds’ strongest performers.
The goalkeeper had little chance of stopping Schade’s finish, but he kept his side in the game with several important saves after the break.
His stop to deny Igor Thiago was particularly important, while his alert distribution late in the match almost helped Leeds create a winner.
Trafford also dealt well with a couple of short back passes and looked confident throughout.
For a player still settling into life at Elland Road, his start has been very encouraging.
Jayden Bogle: 6/10
Bogle offered plenty when moving forward, but his defensive work was tested throughout the match.
He was given a difficult afternoon by Brentford’s attacking players and was perhaps fortunate not to give away a penalty after making contact with Schade. Still, his energy going forward remained useful.
Joe Rodon: 5/10
Rodon did not look completely comfortable before his injury. The defender struggled to fully settle into the game and was then forced off after appearing to suffer a hamstring problem.
Leeds will hope the issue is not serious because his absence would create another concern for Farke.
Jaka Bijol: 4/10
Bijol endured a difficult first half. He was caught out during the move that led to Brentford’s goal and was beaten by Schade inside the box.
Farke made the decision to remove him at half-time after a disappointing opening 45 minutes.
It was clearly an afternoon to forget.
Tarik Muharemovic: 7/10
Muharemovic was Leeds’ strongest centre-back. He made several important tackles, blocks and clearances against a dangerous Brentford attack.
His ability on the ball was also impressive, and he remained calm even when Leeds were under pressure.
Another solid display from the defender.
James Justin: 7/10
Justin was tested heavily by Anthony down his side during the first half. However, he improved considerably after the break and became more involved in Leeds’ attacking play.
His shot from outside the box forced a good save and showed that he can offer something going forward.
Ethan Ampadu: 7/10
Ampadu produced another hard-working midfield display. He made several strong tackles and brought energy into the middle of the pitch, although Leeds never fully controlled that area.
A few fouls reduced the quality of his performance slightly, but his commitment was never in doubt.
Anton Stach: 6/10
Stach was one of Leeds’ better performers during the first half. He made a crucial defensive clearance to stop what looked like a certain Brentford goal after a counter-attack.
He was not at his very best, but he continued to battle and provided useful physical presence in midfield.
Noah Okafor: 6/10
Okafor looked like Leeds’ most dangerous attacking player for parts of the match. His quick feet caused problems and he tried to take defenders on, but some of his final balls were overhit.
There were promising moments, but Leeds needed more quality in the final third.
Brenden Aaronson: 4/10
Aaronson struggled to make an impact. He was quiet in attacking areas and did not see enough of the ball.
There was one good defensive moment when he helped start a counter-attack, but Farke replaced him with Harry Wilson at half-time.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 7/10
Calvert-Lewin had a difficult first half because Leeds did not create many chances for him. Still, he competed physically, held the ball up and worked hard against Brentford’s defenders.
His reward arrived later when he was in the right place to score the equaliser.
That goal could prove important for his confidence.
Nico Elvedi: 6/10
Elvedi replaced Rodon but did not enjoy the easiest introduction. He gave the ball away a couple of times and initially struggled with Brentford’s movement.
However, he looked much more comfortable after Leeds moved into a back four and formed a better partnership with Muharemovic.
Harry Wilson: 7/10
Wilson came on at half-time and quickly gave Leeds more threat down the flank. His pace caused problems, and he was involved in the late free-kick opportunity created from Trafford’s quick thinking.
It was another useful contribution from the new signing.
Ao Tanaka: 6/10
Tanaka entered at the break and helped Leeds compete more strongly in midfield.
It was not a spectacular display, but he worked hard and helped the team regain some control.
Dan James: 6/10
James came on in the 69th minute and immediately added pace. He caused Brentford problems but was wasteful at times when Leeds needed a better final pass.
Still, his speed helped stretch the visitors.
Lukas Nmecha: 8/10
Nmecha was the game-changing substitute. He immediately brought more energy and movement into the Leeds attack and linked well with Dan James.
His biggest contribution came when he created Calvert-Lewin’s equaliser.
It was exactly the type of impact Farke would have wanted from the bench.
Leeds can take positives despite dropped points
A home draw against Brentford will probably feel slightly disappointing for Leeds, especially after falling behind in front of their own supporters. However, there were some clear positives.
Trafford once again looked like an important signing, while Muharemovic continued his strong start in defence.
Nmecha’s impact from the bench will also give Farke something to think about, especially after he directly created the equaliser. There are concerns too.
Rodon’s injury could become a problem if it keeps him out for any length of time, while Bijol and Aaronson both struggled badly.
Leeds also need to find a way to create clearer chances earlier in matches. Still, fighting back to earn a point shows character.
For Farke, the biggest lesson may be that his substitutes can change games, and with the season still young, that squad depth could become extremely important.
For more Leeds United news, gear, and match updates, follow us on Facebook or join our brand-new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates delivered directly to your phone.
Discover more from Leeds United News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
