Leeds draw with Brentford, Elland Road changes and Willy Gnonto demeanour among off camera moments | OneFootball

Leeds United fought back to draw 1-1 with Brentford in Sunday’s first home game of the Premier League season at Elland Road, with impactful substitutions and a lively backdrop to the ongoing redevelopment.

Brentford, who had scored 20 goals in their previous four outings, controlled the first half and led at the break through a clever Kevin Schade finish. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, nothing is agreed at present over Fiorentina’s interest in Willy Gnonto and any exit would hinge on a replacement.

Daniel Farke’s changes shifted the contest, then he paired Lukas Nmecha with Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the final 21 minutes. Nmecha soon delivered a sharp cross for Calvert-Lewin to equalise, having earlier released Dan James.

Jaka Bijol and Brenden Aaronson were withdrawn at half-time for Harry Wilson and Ao Tanaka. After Nico Elvedi replaced the injured Joe Rodon, Leeds moved to a back four with Elvedi alongside the excellent Tarik Muharemovic, and the hosts improved. Wilson threatened cutting in from the right and his first contribution looks close.

It would be no surprise if Wilson and Elvedi started at Brighton.

Pre-match, Elland Road buzzed with a brass band and long queues for the Centenary Pavilion. Fans noted smart new, albeit uncovered, dugouts, while revised access routes, including for the press, ran smoothly.

Record signing James Trafford applauded supporters before his first Premier League warm-up as Leeds No 1, then made smart stops in warm-up and match. He also touched the post pre kick-off, perhaps a routine.

Gnonto was all smiles in the warm-up and later remained an unused substitute. A sea of yellow away shirts helped create a crackling atmosphere.

Rodon’s hamstring setback brought visible anguish, with supportive chants as he walked off and Brentford boss Keith Andrews offering a brief embrace, later speaking warmly about Leeds. News also circulated that Italy coach Roberto Mancini planned to watch Michael Kayode, though whether he attended was unclear, and a dramatic storm hours after full time left huge puddles, mercifully after play given the open dugouts.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk

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