IN-FORM Dominic Calvert-Lewin earned Leeds United a draw at Brentford to move three points clear of the drop zone.
The Whites were staring at their tenth successive Premier League defeat in London when Jordan Henderson broke the deadlock on 70 minutes.
That came against the run of play and United deservedly levelled 12 minutes later. After a spell of Leeds pressure, Willie Gnonto delivered the perfect cross from the right for Calvert-Lewin to rise and despatch a header to score for the fourth game running.
With West Ham losing at home to Aston Villa prior to kick-off at the Gtech Community Stadium, Leeds knew that they would still be out of the bottom three whatever the outcome at Brentford.
Keith Andrews’ side boasted a strong home record, dropping only four points in defeat to Manchester City and a draw with Chelsea. Villa, Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle had all been beaten in the capital by the Bees.
Leeds stuck to their new 5-3-3 system and restricted Brentford to few opportunities without threatening to score much themselves in the first-half.
The visitors survived a lengthy VAR penalty check after Dango Ouattara was ruled marginally offside in a tangle with Gabriel Gudmundsson. Other than clawing away a Keane Lewis-Potter shot after Pascal Struijk gifted Brentford possession, Lucas Perri only had routine work to do.
However, the Brazilian goalkeeper’s distribution continues to be of concern and can lead to unnecessary pressure being put on the Leeds defence.
In a game of few chances in which the ball seemed to spend more time in the air than on the turf, Leeds grew stronger as the game progressed.
They dealt with all the prodigious long throws Michael Kayode could hurl at them, much-feted striker Igor Thiago was well marshalled by United’s central defenders while Noah Okafor caused Brentford’s defence problems.
As Brentford ran out of steam and ideas, Leeds, driven on by Ethan Ampadu in midfield, gained momentum and dominated the second-half.
With Leeds controlling affairs, it was a surprise when Brentford got their noses in front. Rico Henry’s low cross deflected off Jaka Bijol into the path of 35-year-old Henderson and the evergreen former Liverpool man’s shot nicked off the Slovenian defender past Perri.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke immediately sacrificed the luckless Bijol to opt for a more attacking formation and was rewarded when one of his substitutes, Gnonto, centred for Calvert Lewin’s point-saver.
Keeping striker Calvert-Lewin fit will be a crucial in United’s fight against relegation.
“We are very blessed to have him,” said Farke. “On the pitch but also off the pitch. He’s a great teammate and great in the dressing room. His CV was never in doubt. One of the best English strikers in this league. He is a key player for us.”
Leeds next play Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Saturday night.
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