A hard-earned point for Leeds in their first home game of the season, in the proverbial “game of two halves”. I think we’ll look back on this as a really good point at the end of the season. Taking bias out of the equation, there’s just no denying that Brentford are a very good team who are absolutely purring at the moment. This was clear in Week 1 when they absolutely cut through Spurs, in the Carabao Cup against Championship side Birmingham City, where they scored another six goals, and all throughout pre-season, where they continued to score for fun. Farke acknowledged this in his pre-match press conference when he described Brentford as a “bulldozer”, and we all saw it first-hand yesterday when they completely dominated Leeds on their own turf throughout the opening 45 minutes.
It was about as bad a first half as you could get for Leeds. Rodon went off with a hamstring injury which could see him out for an extended period, we created 0.04 xG, and there were even boos at half-time. But Farke once again proved how far he has come as a manager by making the necessary changes at half-time. Tanaka’s introduction to midfield gave us more tenacity and zip, and Leeds soon began to gain a stranglehold on the game. In the 69th minute, Nmecha was brought on for Okafor, and I feared he was only going to play on the left wing. Calvert-Lewin had spent the entire game completely isolated and needed bodies closer to him. Thankfully, Farke realised the same thing, and Nmecha played alongside Calvert-Lewin as part of a front two, with both players combining for the goal which earned us another point in our march towards safety.
Or Europe.
Or the title.
Noises out of Elland Road haven’t been particularly positive about the end of the transfer window, and with just over 24 hours remaining, Leeds are still on the hunt for a LB, LW and ST. Because that’s what every reporter has told us we’re chasing since last May.
Over to you, 49ers.
Leeds United 1-1 Brentford: Player Ratings
James Trafford – 7
There was nothing Trafford could do for the Brentford goal, with Schade’s exquisite finish nestling in the top corner. Made some decent saves, caught the ball well and started counter-attacks effectively. Another good showing from England’s number one.
Jayden Bogle – 5
Got forward well, but this left Leeds exposed at the back – especially with Schade’s pace. Improved when we switched to a back four. Was very lucky not to concede a penalty with the threshold raised for these incidents.
Joe Rodon – 6
Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck. Rodon’s pace was such a useful asset for us in defence, and losing that means we’ll need to be more cautious when pushing upfield. Hopefully, the injury isn’t too bad.
Nico Elvedi (34 mins) – 7
Difficult ask for a new signing to be thrown in midway through the first half for his Premier League debut. Especially against a rampant Brentford. Looked good in a back four and played a big part in driving Leeds on towards the end.
Jaka Bijol – 4
My MOTM last week. Substituted at half-time this week. Had a tough game up against Brentford’s front line. Stepped out too eagerly and missed a tackle in the middle of the park, allowing Brentford to get up the pitch. They scored from the same attack.
Tarik Muharemović – 8
Is it too early to admit that I love him? Calm and composed, with some neat feet and passing. A Rolls-Royce defender.
James Justin – 7
Another game for Justin at left-back to demonstrate his versatility. As solid as always, but more may be expected of him with Rodon’s injury. Leeds’ defensive options now look stretched.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
A vital player in the middle for Leeds. Found it difficult in the first half but was better after the break with the extra man in midfield.
Anton Stach – 5
I didn’t feel Stach was at his best last week against Forest, despite scoring a wonderful winner. I thought he had a really tough game against Sangaré, who Stach couldn’t get near. Pressure is now being applied to the German by others in the squad.
Ao Tanaka (45 mins) – 7
Tanaka’s introduction changed the game for me. He brought a tenacity to Leeds’ midfield that was missing in the first half. Snapping into tackles, winning the ball back and starting attacks. He wasn’t always perfect, but he helped Leeds control large parts of the second half.
Brenden Aaronson – 4
I understand the logic of starting Aaronson in a game like this. Brentford would likely see a lot of the ball, and Aaronson’s work rate could help turn the ball over. This didn’t work. He was weak in the challenge and didn’t help Leeds take control. Rightly removed at half-time.
Harry Wilson (45 mins) – 7
Picked up some good positions and was far better on the ball than the man he replaced. Should not be behind Aaronson in the pecking order.
Noah Okafor – 6
He had the beating of Kayode every single time. So much so that Brentford doubled and sometimes tripled up on him. His speed is such a useful asset, but his crossing was poor and never seemed to find a man.
Daniel James (69 mins) – 6
His speed caused Brentford problems, but he was so wasteful when he had the ball in good areas. Exemplified by when he was put through by Nmecha and attempted to chip the ball rather than shoot. Inexplicably caught by Keane Lewis-Potter despite having a head start.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 7
Couldn’t get near the ball in the first half and looked increasingly isolated as the game went on. Nmecha’s introduction up front alongside Calvert-Lewin meant he was no longer being occupied by three defenders. Once again, “Johnny on the spot” for Leeds. Please don’t get injured.
Lukas Nmecha (69 mins) – 8
It was his introduction that provided Leeds with an extra focal point up front. As was the case against Chelsea and Manchester City last season, the two big men up front cause problems. A lovely lay-off to put James through for what should have been a goal. And an assist for Calvert-Lewin.
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