Leeds United 0 Brentford FC 0 – deadlock. Leeds continue to flirt with relegation with another draw as Brentford soak up relentless Leeds’ attacks.
At the start of the season Leeds United were comprehensively beaten by Brentford FC. This time Leeds have the power of the man of the moment, Gnoto, and Wober strengthening defence. Harrison earned a starting place but Bamford still a substitute.
Brentford intent from the start with a long cross to Toney to have a shot on goal, Brentford’s plan was to get behind the Leeds’ defence where they are frail – cutting out the midfield by playing with wingbacks doubling up the forwards to challenge Leeds’ defence.
Leeds played the ball in the first half in Brentford’s half but their defence crowded out Gnonto and Harrison from crossing the ball to Rodrigo, who is reduced to playing deeper. Leeds lacked the quality in the final cross with Brentford keeper picking them up.
Brentford were well organised with their counter attacking but Leeds’ defence held up restricting Brentford to one shot on target in the first half.
Aaronson struggled with staying up and the quality of his passing, but finally won a free kick when falling over. New recruit Wober was given free kick responsibility but his shot is well over – Leeds’ only big opportunity in the first half.
The high tempo of the game boiled over at the half hour as Adams and Jensen had a tussle but otherwise this was a well-behaved game.
Brentford had a couple of opportunities with Koch involved in stopping both. The second he managed to stretch to stop a Brentford cross in the penalty box that would have been in the Leeds net.
Second half – searching for a goal
Leeds started brightly in the second half, this time with shots on goal. Leeds take every opportunity to counter attack from their own half with Gnonto splitting defences but was denied. Neither side had made good use of their corners.
Leeds tried to walk the ball in to the penalty box but were crowded out by Brentford defenders, taking too many touches. Even with Sinisterra, Greenwood, and Bamford on Leeds could not find that final touch.
After Leeds dominated the second half pushing up, Brentford seized the initiative in the dying minutes trying to score that elusive goal. A nervous end to the match but Koch and Wober held on to that clean sheet.
Man of the match: Gnonto
