Clear positive to take from Leeds United draw vs Brentford but transfer need further exposed — Leeds Live 31/8/26

Leeds United can take a lot from the draw against a well-drilled Brentford side but one squad shortfall became even more clear

Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter

With Brentford scoring 20 goals in their previous four games and nine in their last two, James Trafford and his Leeds United defence were going to face their sternest test of the season since the goalkeeper’s debut against Manchester United in pre-season.

This proved to be the case, with Brentford firing in 11 shots in the first half alone. Leeds mustered an xG of just 0.04 in reply. The Whites, so normally dominant at home, were not used to a visiting team being so strangling.

Daniel Farke’s half-time change to a back four saw Leeds wrestle back some control and the introduction of Lukas Nmecha and Daniel James midway through the second period ultimately led to Leeds’ equaliser through Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

That Leeds can be so flexible, and have the players to do that, is a positive. A lot of praise has to go to Brentford for how well they played. Even Farke said a win for Leeds would have been undeserved. Perhaps in the end a point was deserved, just.

The manager deserves praise for being bold with his changes and the substitutes ought to receive plaudits for their role. But as good as Brentford were, too many Leeds players were poor.

Yet the positive is that if they can grind out a result on an off day, they might indeed be able to take that next step onwards.

Rodon concern

Joe Rodon’s withdrawal after 33 minutes will concern Daniel Farke. The centre-back was often seen running back towards his goal and on one occasion he went down holding his left hamstring after kicking the ball out of play.

He immediately shook his head to teammates in a sign that he knew he had done something. This will concern Farke, who only has three other natural centre-halves at his disposal. All three were thus forced onto the pitch when Rodon exited, Nico Elvedi coming on for his league debut.

It was only on Friday that Farke explained how Leeds needed more depth, having a few days earlier said: "I doubt that over a long season, just four centre-backs are needed”. James Justin is a cover option at right centre-back but has been needed as cover on the left too.

Leeds will wait to see how bad Rodon’s injury is. The club are not expected to do much in the final days of the window but depending on the length of Rodon’s setback, Leeds could change their plans. That he walked off under his own steam, though, is a good sign at least.

Praise for defensive duo

Tarik Muharemovic got his body on the line and his head on the ball no end during the game. His interventions helped Leeds earn a point - as did Elvedi's. He was thrown onto the pitch midway through a frantic first half for the defence but slotted in well.

He then had to cope with the change to a back four before the system again changed. Farke had high praise for him after full time, calling him “excellent” for his ability to adapt and deal with the change of shape despite only arriving within the last fortnight.

There will be concern over Rodon, who is a key defensive player. But Elvedi looks to be a totally ample replacement for the time he is sidelined.

Should Brentford have had a penalty?

Brentford attacker Kevin Schade crashed into the turf with a third of the game to go, following a coming-together with Jayden Bogle. The referee waved play on, uninterested in the shouts for a penalty.

In real time, the tackle looked innocuous but replays appear to show Bogle trod on the foot of Schade. And the challenge was just inside the area. Whether Schade made the most of it or not, contact was made. But VAR and its high bar for intervention did not interfere.

Works at Elland Road progressing

Entry into the stadium for those in the West Stand was a little different yesterday and will be this season. With foundational construction being carried out behind the terrace, supporters were required to enter via a gate on the East of the stadium and walk around.

Club chairman Paraag Marathe was keen on keeping Elland Road at full capacity during works for the regular season, to keep the weapon of the home support present. Sunday was the first time it had been fully open since May, with the West Stand closed during pre-season.

Work on the West Stand is progressing

From the views inside the ground, it is clear that foundational work is coming on at a good pace. As you can see in the image above, on-site machinery is present and the ground looks to have been elevated in preparation for when the building will start.