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23 hours ago
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The desperation of television executives to get as much football on screens as possible caused this match to be moved to 8pm on a Saturday night, but it was certainly not prime-time viewing. Leeds and Brentford played out a goalless draw so devoid of interest and entertainment that even those who tuned in to Mrs Brown’s Boys on BBC Three will feel smug for avoiding it.
There was barely a chance of note as Leeds went a sixth game without victory, securing a fourth straight blank as they moved four points clear of the relegation zone. Victory would have put Brentford on the same points as sixth-placed Chelsea and they will be happier with the draw, which will be some consolation for the long journey back to the capital in the early hours, thanks to the inconsiderate scheduling.
“I am not alarmed,” Daniel Farke said of the lack of goals. “A relegation battle is a battle. It is not like an easy cruise to the promised land. I expected a tough, tough season where we have to fight to the end in order to keep our chances. We are right now at 33 points, which is quite good.”
Leeds’ defence went through Brentford’s traditional trial-by-set-piece routine in the early stages but managed to survive a couple of corners and a long throw unscathed. It was an indication of what was to come from the visitors, while Leeds struggled to find any rhythm in possession.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has received a first international callup in five years, in recognition of his fine form since moving to Elland Road on a free transfer in the summer, and he was serenaded with chants of “England’s No 9”. He almost added an 11th goal this season by flicking a cross to the back post but Michael Kayode was well positioned to clear, clinching the award of the most interesting moment of the opening half hour.
At a critical stage of Brentford’s battle to qualify for Europe the squad is threadbare. Ethan Pinnock made his fourth Premier League appearance of the season while five of the bench had not yet made their debuts in the league and another had only 38 minutes to his name. Igor Thiago, who is in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad, had the confident air of a man who is able to represent the five-time world champions, irritating the Leeds centre-backs despite a lack of service.
Leeds dominated possession in the closing stages of the first half but without penetration. Lukas Nmecha stinging Caoimhín Kelleher’s palms with a low drive was the closest they came to threatening the Brentford goal. The fixture was becoming a summary of the modern Premier League, lacking in quality and entertainment.
The large TV screen in the corner brought the message “Own Goal. Stay Off The Pitch” which felt like a criticism of the performances on show, rather than a warning to attendees. The fans noticed the lacklustre nature of the offering, with the home supporters knowing they had to inspire the team rather than vice versa on this occasion. The noise grew, in the hope the tempo and aggression would match the decibels. Ethan Ampadu took notice and hit a rising drive at Kelleher in the 55th minute. It did not test the goalkeeper but at least it was a sign of intent.
In the 69th minute, Kelleher sat on the floor, desperately pretending he needed treatment for a fictional injury, so Keith Andrews could bring members of his team over for a chat. To be fair to Brentford, they did send the substitute goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson out to warm up, which is more effort than most teams make with their tactical timeouts.
Leeds had a few set pieces that encouraged the prospect of a winner but it was never likely, certainly not from open play. Kayode did his own bit for Brentford, warming up the arms a few times only to see his long throws easily headed away.
“Hard-earned, hard-fought,” Andrews said of the point. “A proper game of football, as I think most people would have anticipated with the way the two teams play and what was at stake. I’m very proud of what the players produced.”
It was hard to tell when the fourth official confirmed five minutes of injury time if the boos were for a lack or an excess of additional time. Doomed duo Wolves and Burnley are the next visitors to Elland Road and Leeds will be targeting maximum points in the battle to survive because it feels like they will need to do the bulk of the work at home.
