Leeds United’s recent form in the Premier League has been a source of optimism for fans, as the team extended their unbeaten streak to three games with a hard-fought draw against Brentford on Sunday. This result is particularly commendable considering Brentford’s impressive home record, having won five of their previous seven home matches leading up to the confrontation.
Leading up to the match, Leeds United had managed to secure a vital win against Chelsea and salvaged a draw against Liverpool, which helped alleviate some pressure on manager Marcelo Bielsa. However, there were concerns among supporters that the team might not be able to maintain their positive momentum and secure a result against Brentford, especially considering Leeds’ poor record away from home, having lost six out of seven away matches so far this season.
Despite Brentford taking the lead with a goal from Jordan Henderson in the second half, Leeds managed to level the score courtesy of a fantastic header from Dominic Calvert-Lewin following a pinpoint cross from Willy Gnonto. Leeds had several opportunities to take the lead in the match and could have come away with all three points, but a contentious penalty decision proved to be a pivotal moment.
Referee John Brooks, overseeing his first Leeds game since the 2023-24 Championship playoff final, raised eyebrows when he awarded Brentford a penalty for an incident involving Gabi Gudmundsson, only for VAR to correctly rule it offside. However, Leeds were left feeling aggrieved when a potential penalty call for a foul on Calvert-Lewin by Nathan Collins in the box was not given.
Notable figures in the football world, including former referee Mark Clattenburg and ex-Leeds players Jermaine Beckford and Dom Matteo, expressed their astonishment at the decision not to award Leeds a penalty. Clattenburg highlighted the inconsistency in the officiating, while Beckford and Matteo emphasized the need for players to be more vocal and assertive in such situations to ensure that decisions are given fair consideration.
Looking forward, Leeds will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for a challenging matchup against Crystal Palace at Elland Road in their quest to extend their unbeaten run to four games. The team will be eager to build on their recent performances and maintain their positive momentum under Bielsa’s guidance.
