Leeds and Brentford battled it out to end all deadlocks with both teams accepting their claims and recording an unforgettable 0-0 draw.
Sunday’s game against their relegation rivals gave Leeds the opportunity to move six points clear of the drop but failed to take enough risks to trouble an equally stubborn Brentford side. They are currently four points adrift of 18th-placed West Ham.
This was also a missed opportunity for the Bees, who saw Liverpool and Chelsea beaten earlier on Saturday but looked very happy to finish seventh, three points behind Liverpool.
The expected goals total of 1.00 is the fourth lowest in a Premier League game this season as Leeds have failed to score in four consecutive games.
The home side had plenty of possession but struggled to break down Brentford’s disciplined 3-5-2 line-up. There was nothing to worry about for the Brentford defense other than Michael Kayode’s save on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s loop-back header midway through the first half.
Brentford midfielder Matthias Jensen could only find the side netting when he dived from the penalty area at the start of the second period. It was one of only two shots they mustered after the break.
Leeds were largely ineffective in the closing stages and will be looking over their shoulders on Sunday when Tottenham play at home to Forest and West Ham play at Aston Villa. Both matches will be live. sky sports.
A game already forgotten.
Farke: We’re not dancing on the table with a draw
Leeds president Daniel Wake speaking sky sports:
“We won’t be dancing on the table after the draw, but I have nothing but praise for the players. You can see today why Brentford are seventh (in the table), they are a very solid Premier League team and their defense is solid. There are few teams here that can handle our physicality. We have quality in attack as well. It was a complicated game but it was important not to run into the counter-attack and lose a game like that.
“You can also score three successive goals without conceding and that is quite important. We are not a team that tears opponents to shreds because of individual quality. We have to be honest, so we have to bring our flexibility, our physicality and our tactical flexibility. The instincts are a little lacking, but to Brentford’s credit, they defended well. Overall, this is how you have to behave in a relegation fight. Be solid and show a good mentality. This is small progress.”
Andrews full of pride
brentford president keith andrews speaking sky sports:
“My feeling is just incredible pride. We had to dig deep. We knew we had to play with some grit and spirit. We were really good when the game was going low. Our bench was light so it was clear the players had to go far in the game and we dug incredibly well.
“In some areas, the final run, the final pass, we could have done better. We messed up our preparation for this game and the guys did everything incredibly well. They’re an amazing bunch. I’m proud to be the coach.”
