West Bromwich Albion 0-0 Leeds United highlights: Whites and Baggies unable to be separated in stalemate
.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale)
Leeds were beaten convincingly by Middlesbrough during midweek, bowing out of the Carabao Cup at the First Round. It followed a disappointing 3-3 draw with Portsmouth at Elland Road on the opening day with the two results piling pressure on Leeds’ defence, boss Daniel Farke and transfer chiefs.
News broke late on Wednesday night that Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion had activated a £40 million relegation release clause in star man Georginio Rutter’s contract, leading supporters on social media to react strongly to the development.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdGeorginio completed his transfer to the Seagulls on Friday having made a final appearance for Leeds off the bench in their League Cup exit to Boro.
It means Farke arrives in the West Midlands on matchday two of the new Championship season with a threadbare squad, as was the case when Leeds took on Birmingham City at St Andrew’s Stadium this time last year. The 47-year-old is down to just 19 first-team players - the lowest in the Championship - while that could be even fewer if Max Wober (calf) has not overcome an issue picked up in the midweek defeat.
Build-up, arrivals, team news, live match updates and reaction here throughout the afternoon. Kick-off at The Hawthorns is at 12:30pm.
West Bromwich Albion vs Leeds United LIVE
58' A chance out of nothing for Leeds. Bogle races onto a slack Baggies pass, finding Joseph who crosses for Piroe in the middle. Dutchman doesn't connect properly and Bogle who'd carried on his run, can't stretch for it either.
First of the day
56' Shot on target as Gruev's lofted delivery from a free-kick, won by Gnonto, is headed up into the air by Ampadu. Always looping, though, never threatening.
On target
50' Chance Baggies. Quick free-kick just outside WBA's box catches Leeds short at the back. Home side come forward, Swift shimmies side to side looking for a yard as bodies stream back to intercept. Finds Molumby whose shot is held well by Meslier.
HT thoughts
A very poor first-half passed without a shot on target from either side, West Brom going closest when a free-kick sailed through the area and hit Kyle Barkley at the back post before bouncing just wide. Leeds were booed at times by the away end upon often turning and playing the ball back to keep possession although the Whites ended the half with the best chance of the game yet. Willy Gnonto was bumped to the ground by Semi Ajayi for a free-kick which Ilia Gruev curled into the box and Pascal Struijk connected with a solid header which deflected off Ajayi and bounced just wide. The cleared corner was then worked to Gnonto who blazed well over the bar as part of a half in which Joel Piroe had wastefully fired wide when well placed. A spectacular attempt at a Beckham lob from just inside in his own half by Whites skipper Ethan Ampadu was not a million miles off but dropped wide and keeper Alex Palmer had it covered. Whites full-backs Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo, meanwhile, were both booked for clumsy challenges in addition to West Brom's John Swift for scything down Leeds striker Mateo Joseph. But the half finished with the score it merited, goalless, Leeds defending well and keeping last weekend's hat-trick hero Josh Maja quiet upfront.
HT: WBA 0-0 Leeds United
Not a lot to get excited about, there. Almost like there's something, or someone, missing from the middle of the park.
Into stoppages
45' CHANCE! Struijk rises highest from Gruev's delivery and plants a header at goal. Skims off Ajayi's forward and away for a corner. One minute added.
Ball is recycled, Gnonto lines one up but it flies over the crossbar.
They might have a point, you know
44' Prolonged cheers from the away end as referee Sam Allison awards Leeds a free-kick for Molumby's man-handling of Gnonto. Fans seem to think the official has given United short thrift this afternoon.
Yellow for Firpo
41' Firpo and Molumby down in a heap after a hefty coming together. Free-kick West Brom. Firpo's boot appeared to be high but didn't fully connect.
25' Leeds haven't been able to get their attackers into the game so far. Gnonto, Joseph, James practically spectating, especially in the Baggies' half. Home side beginning to exert a bit more control on the contest, too.
Leeds relinquishing a little bit of control
22' Free-kick is clipped to the back post where Bartley is waiting. Meslier crowded out, ball over the top of Struijk and Rodon which catches the ex-Leeds defender by surprise and it fortunately bounces just wide.
21' Then fouls Tom Fellows with a stretching tackle down the left-hand side. Yellow card. Not the best minute he's ever played.
Not there
20' Bogle puts Struijk and Rodon under serious pressure with an aimless pass across the defensive line into Meslier's box. Neither prepared to receive it but Rodon deals with the danger.
Not the right call
19' Leeds with bodies forward after James picks a pocket in the middle. Piroe decides to shoot from 20-25 yards and it's off target. Farke grumbling at that particular decision.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.