Leeds 1-1 Brentford: Calvert-Lewin Snatches Late Point
Dominic Calvert-Lewin fired a late equaliser as Leeds fought back to salvage a 1-1 draw against Brentford in their opening home Premier League game of the season.
Calvert-Lewin converted substitute Lukas Nmecha’s low cross in the 79th minute after Kevin Schade had given Brentford a deserved half-time lead.
Leeds were given the runaround for the first 45 minutes by a slick Brentford side who dominated, but they responded well to boss Daniel Farke’s tactical changes at the break and will feel their point was deserved.
There is a real sense of optimism building at Elland Road. Back-to-back wins at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and Carabao Cup have given the club early momentum following last season’s strong finish.
Further evidence of Leeds’ intent to establish themselves as a top-flight force can be seen around the stadium, with redevelopment work under way since May, initially focused on increasing capacity in the West Stand from 8,000 to 17,500.
But while Leeds’ start to the season had been encouraging, Brentford’s had been sensational, with the Bees thrashing Tottenham and Birmingham in their opening two matches while scoring nine goals in the process.
The visitors made an impressive start at Elland Road too. Igor Thiago’s thumping drive was beaten away by James Trafford, while Keane Lewis-Potter’s effort was blocked.
Trafford, serenaded with chants of “England’s number one” on his home debut, kept out Nathan Collins’ header before former Leeds winger Jaidon Anthony had a shot blocked.
Mikkel Damsgaard’s low effort then tested Trafford before Leeds were forced into an early change, with Joe Rodon limping off with a hamstring problem and replaced by recent signing Nico Elvedi, making his league debut.
Outnumbered in midfield and struggling for possession, Leeds began to look increasingly stretched, and it was no surprise when Brentford took the lead in the 40th minute. The hosts failed to deal with a series of crosses, and Lewis-Potter’s delivery from the left was swept into the top corner by Schade.
Farke reacted at the break, replacing Jaka Bijol and Brenden Aaronson with Ao Tanaka and home debutant Harry Wilson, switching to a 4-3-3 formation.
The changes had the desired effect. Noah Okafor had a shot saved, and James Justin fired narrowly wide.
Brentford continued to pose a threat, however, with substitute Dango Ouattara seeing a shot blocked and Michael Kayode’s effort deflected behind for a corner.
Leeds substitute Daniel James dragged a shot off target after racing clear, but the hosts’ pressure eventually told when they equalised with 11 minutes remaining.
Another substitute, Nmecha, showed great persistence to win the ball back down the right before delivering a low cross that Calvert-Lewin steered home for his first goal of the season.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages. Thiago’s header from Ouattara’s cross was well saved by Trafford, while James and Wilson both went close for the home side late on.
