Leeds United missed out on their chance to club above the relegation zone following Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa. The Whites went ahead early through Lukas Nmecha but conceded twice after half-time, with Morgan Rogers flicking a deft finish beyond Lucas Perri before grabbing his second on 75 minutes with a dipping free-kick.
Daniel Farke’s side looked to have pulled back level almost instantly when Dan James got on the end of Joe Rodon’s pass to squeeze an effort beyond Emi Martinez. The goal was initially given by referee Rob Jones but after handball claims from several Villa players, a VAR review discovered the ball deflected off Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hand and the equaliser was disallowed.
Both of Leeds goals were subject to lengthy VAR checks and while the correct outcome was reached on both occasions, James’ equaliser would have stood were it not for intervention at Stockley Park. It’s the first time this season Farke’s side have had a potentially crucial decision overturned against them.
Of course, it’s impossible to predict how the remaining 20-odd minutes would have played out had James’ equaliser stood. But a 2-2 draw would have seen Leeds a point better off and the table below shows where they and others would sit without VAR, with data from LiverpoolWorld.
