Leeds United had to settle for a point at Vicarage Road, after a 2-2 draw against Watford in the Sky Bet Championship. Daniel Farke’s side battled back from behind twice to secure the draw, with just five minutes left of the game.
The opening 15 minutes went by with both teams exchanging attacks, but very little would trouble either goalkeeper. The first real shot on goal was from Crysencio Summerville who cut inside on his right foot and struck powerfully, forcing Daniel Bachmann into a good save.
With their first real opening on goal after 30 minutes played, the Hornets took the lead in the match, with a quick counter attack.
Jamal Lewis began the break down the left-hand-side, before finding Yaser Asprilla. He looked up and pulled the ball back for Emmanuel Dennis to strike, which Illan Meslier saved well, but following up on the rebound Vakoun Bayo smashed home on the volley.
The Whites quickly equalised though, in stunning style. Sam Byram and Glen Kamara linked up on the wing and played the ball to Summerville. Like his earlier effort, he cut inside and curled at goal, but this time there was no stopping it with the ball finding the top corner.
Shortly before the break, the hosts would go back into the lead, with a well-taken goal of their own. Dennis collected the ball on the right wing and opted to go alone, pushing forward into the box before smashing low with his left-foot into the bottom corner.
That was to be that before the interval, with the referee bringing the half to a close and sending Tom Cleverley’s side back into the dressing room with the advantage.
HALF TIME: Watford 2-1 Leeds United
Neither side made a changes during the break, as they came out to battle once again in the final 45 minutes.
A first big chance of the second half came for United. Byram worked his way through midfield and released Summerville, who ran into the box and forced Bachmann into another good save.
Both teams made changes around the hour-mark, with the scoreline still the same. Junior Firpo came on for the Whites, whilst Ismael Kone was introduced for the home side.
The next effort on target and testing Bachmann, came from Dan James. Once again the space was out wide and he found some, before striking low on his left-foot, only to see the opposition captain get down to his right and save.
Further substitutions were made and they produced an immediate impact. Mateo Joseph and Jaidon Anthony were summoned from the bench and were straight into the action.
Within seconds of entering, Joseph found space in the box to fire home the equaliser after an excellent run and cross from Summerville to create the opening!
Then, moments later, Summerville created chaos and once more worked his way into the box, before shooting and seeing the rebound fall to Anthony this time. The winger shot on goal, but Bachmann stood firm again and made another excellent stop.
Despite the late efforts on the Watford net, Leeds couldn’t find a winner and would settle for a point away from home, to make it 14 matches unbeaten in the league since the start of 2024.
FULL TIME: Watford 2-2 Leeds United
Watford: Bachmann (GK) (C), Sierralta, Porteous, Lewis, Pollock, Asprilla (Ince 80’), Bayo (Rajovic 90’), Dele-Bashiru, Dennis (Kone 58’), Kayembe, Andrews. Subs not used: Hamer (GK), Livermore, Chakvetadze, Martins, Morris, Grieves.
Leeds: Meslier (GK), Ampadu, Cooper (C) (Firpo 63’), Kamara (Joseph 84’), Bamford, Summerville, Rodon, James, Gray, Georginio (Piroe 74’), Byram (Anthony 84’). Subs not used: Darlow (GK), Cresswell, Shackleton, Gelhardt, Crew.
Referee: David Webb
Booked: n/a
Venue: Vicarage Road
Attendance: 20,236