Daniel Farke praises side's 'never-say-die' attitude — Mail 30/8/26

Leeds 1-1 Brentford: Daniel Farke praises side's 'never-say-die' attitude after Dominic Calvert-Lewin snatches a late point against red-hot Bees

By ROSS HEPPENSTALL

There has been plenty of hype surrounding Leeds this summer after some big-money signings and a stadium redevelopment which is now underway.

But they needed a late equaliser from Dominic Calvert-Lewin to salvage a point against an upwardly mobile Brentford side who outplayed their hosts comprehensively during the first half.

Keith Andrews' dashing men in black threatened to run amok but Kevin Schade's delightful 41st-minute strike was their only reward before the interval.

There was even a smattering of boos from the home stands but Daniel Farke boldly changed formation at the break – switching from his customary back three to a flat back four – and Leeds improved markedly as the second half unfolded.

With eleven minutes remaining, Calvert-Lewin fired home from close range to leave both managers satisfied at maintaining their respective unbeaten starts to the season.

Leeds boss Farke, who handed home debuts to James Trafford, Tarik Muharemovic, Nico Elvedi and Harry Wilson, said: 'I'm very proud of my boys for their reaction in the second half.

'After back-to-back wins at Nottingham Forest in the league and Carabao Cup, everyone was excited.

'But we were up against a red-hot, in-form Brentford side who showed so much quality in the first half.

'I asked a lot of my players because we changed formation at half-time but we didn't crumble – we showed a never-say-die attitude and got our rewards.'

Brentford, still bubbling from their opening-day 3-0 win over Tottenham and 6-1 victory at Birmingham in the Carabao Cup, had Leeds on the ropes during the first half.

The Whites were not helped by the loss of defender Joe Rodon to a hamstring injury and Brentford led when Schade provided a deft touch to dispatch Keane Lewis-Potter's left-wing cross.

But the switch to a back four – and second-half introduction of Ao Tanaka, Wilson, Dan James and Lucas Nmecha – saw Leeds gradually ask questions of an impressive Bees backline.

The pressure told when Nmecha's low right-wing cross was fired in by Calvert-Lewin to deny Brentford victory.

Andrews reflected: 'We could have tested Trafford a bit more with the territory and control that we had in the first half.

'We became a little bit content with being in their final third without really putting the knife in.

'The storm was always going to come – Daniel made changes at half-time – and it's not easy when the crowd get going here.

'It's an amazing place to play and always a spicy atmosphere which I really love but you've got to be ready for every punch that gets thrown at you.'

Brentford had 22 shots – five on target which saw Trafford make some decent saves – and always held a lingering threat through Igor Thiago.

They were denied a penalty midway through the second half when Jayden Bogle appeared to foul Schade inside the 18-yard box.

Andrews said: 'The fact I've been asked about this a few times would suggest there's something in that.'

The Bees finished ninth last term, and Leeds 14th, but some ambitious recruitment has both clubs well placed to kick on again this season.

Andrews spoke of a new-found confidence in his team's attacking ambition and admitted to a slight disappointment at not taking all three points.

Leeds, meanwhile, are trying to add to their squad before the window closes.

Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin – who combined to deadly effect for Leeds' equaliser – both arrived on free transfers last summer and Farke is continuing to scour the market for reinforcements.

He added: 'I'm very happy with the players I've got but it's not the biggest group and one or two more additions would definitely be helpful.'