Leeds United were left frustrated after being held to a 0-0 draw at Elland Road by rivals Sheffield Wednesday. Daniel Farke is still searching for his first league win at home as Leeds United manager, after drawing the opening three games. Wednesday were resolute and defended well to frustrate the hosts and pick up their first point of the season.
Leeds started the game brightly and threatened the Wednesday goal early. Joel Piroe dragged his effort from just outside the box wide after Leeds did well to win the ball back quickly, after a poor goal-kick from Devis Vasquez.
Leeds looked dangerous again in the early stages when Crysencio Summerville played a tidy one-two with Georginio Rutter on the edge of the box, but Summerville’s strike flew over the bar.
Summerville and Rutter were able to link up again as Summerville threaded a pass into the path of Rutter who was running in behind the Wednesday defence. The angle for the shot was tight, and he was denied by the strong, outstretched arm of Vasquez.
Vasquez was busy again at the start of the second-half. The Colombian was quick off his line to deny Summerville who was unable to poke his shot past him after the Leeds winger was played through by Rutter again.
Illan Meslier was called into action mid-way through the second half. George Byers’ played a pass through the heart of the Leeds defence to Windass but Meslier got out to smother the wingers attempt on goal.
The visitors had another chance to take the lead when Josh Windass’ cross found it’s way to Paterson, but his strike just went over the bar.
Leeds had a penalty appeal waved away with around 15 minutes to play. Wilfried Gnonto was driving to the byline before being brought down by substitute Dominic Iorfa in the penalty area but referee Dean Whitestone did not point to the spot despite the appeals of the Elland Road faithful.
Leeds had one more glorious chance to take the lead but Rutter was unable to convert. He latched on to a bouncing ball over the top of the Owls’ defence but his attempt to lob Vasquez was a tame one and didn’t trouble the goalkeeper.
The Whites’ boss was disappointed with just a point, having created enough against a “deep-sitting” team to win the game. Farke also pointed to Wednesday having the experience within their ranks to manage the game.
“In the end, it’s just a draw so the overriding feeling is definitely that we are disappointed to have because we expected today to play against really deep-sitting opponent who defends and gives everything in order to block each and every shot and also experienced in game management, wasting time a little bit, breaking our rhythm.
“We spoke about it, ‘okay we need to find the first goal, because this opens up then everything’, and I got the feeling my players have created more than that in order to win this game.
“Normally it’s more (chances created) than not to win this game and more than enough to win two or three games, but if you don’t find the first goal out then it’s difficult.”
However, it was Sheffield Wednesday who had the most shots on target: 5 compared to Leeds 4. Leeds had the lion’s share of possession with 68% and managed 16 shots in the match. Wednesday could only manage 10, in reply.
Wednesday Manager Xisco Munoz was very happy with the point and particularly pleased with how his side maintained their levels throughout the match. “We’ve spoken a lot about the consistency needed and clean sheets and starting a game at one level and staying there.
Leeds resume their campaign after the international break when they travel to The Den to take on Millwall. Sheffield Wednesday will be hoping this is the result that marks an upward trajectory in their form. The Owls will look to use the point they gained at Elland Road as a platform to build on when they welcome the high-flying Ipswich Town to Hillsborough Stadium.
