:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66005571/1196989304.jpg.0.jpg)
Leeds United claimed a point in the 2nd vs 1st clash at West Brom, with Patrick Bamford cancelling out Semi Ajayi.
It was the worst possible start for Leeds in this one, with a game of head-tennis being fully dominated by West Brom. Ajayi headed onto Bartley, before the header back across was stabbed in by Ajayi, with Harrison’s goal-line heroics not enough to prevent the opener.
But Leeds didn’t panic, they played-on like it was 0-0, and controlled the first-half. Dallas had a half-chance blazed over the bar from the edge of the penalty area after a neat move.
Helder Costa had another half-chance fall his way, with an ambitious volley on the edge of the box straight down the throat of the keeper, Meanwhile, Nketiah struggled to hold-up the ball and keep possession, and was taken off at half-time in his final Leeds United appearance.
Not before Matt Phillips had a massive chance on the stroke of half-time, as the Scottish international was put clean through, but hit his shot straight at Casilla, who diverted the ball away from goal.
Douglas and Bamford replaced Alioski and Nketiah, and it made a big difference to the performance, with Douglas’ discipline and Bamford’s form and hold-up play.
Leeds equalised on 52 minutes, with a dangerous Harrison cross from the left aimed at Bamford, a touch is difficult to make-out but the ball did come off the shoulder of Ajayi. The deflection took the ball past Johnstone and put Leeds in a great position.
Ajayi has now scored for both sides, Patrick Bamford's header hits the West Brom man and it trickles into the net! ⚽
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 1, 2020
An instant impact from the striker - what a substitution from Bielsa! pic.twitter.com/4sYFg9K0wm
Casilla made a brilliant save from young substitute, Kyle Edwards, whose shot from a central close range whipped rounda crowd of bodies before being tipped over fantastically by the Leeds stopper.
Leeds then had one last big chance on 90 minutes, with Bamford breaking down the left channel with Klich an option to cut-back. Bamford went himself on this occasion, and the keeper made a good stop with his legs.
Overall, a good result in a tough game, as Leeds showed a cleaner side to their performance from the last match. Now onto the Emirates, where I have a feeling we’ll be seeing Nketiah sooner than anticipated.