Leeds United crashed out of the Carabao Cup in embarrassing circumstances on Tuesday as they were beaten on penalties by a young Sheffield Wednesday.
Many expected Leeds United to breeze past their troubled Yorkshire rivals in the Carabao Cup tie, especially as the game played out in an echoey Hillsborough with the majority of Sheffield Wednesday fans staying away in protest of their owner.
Yet, a youthful Owls XI (average age 21) put in a brave display in the face of Daniel Farke’s expensive Premier League outfit (average age 27), which featured five full debuts, keeping Leeds at bay in the opening 45 and going closer to scoring.
When Wednesday took the lead through Jamal Lowe just after the hour mark, it was nothing less than they deserved.
The manager was forced to utilise his bench and his changes got Leeds out of the mud when Willy Gnonto teed up Jayden Bogle to level with 10 minutes to go.
Leeds pushed for a winner with Dominic Calvert-Lewin getting four great chances, but the game finished square and went straight to penalties.
Joel Piroe, Calvert-Lewin and Sean Longstaff all missed their spot-kicks to give Wednesday a remarkable win.
Here’s how the players rated.
- Leeds United Premier League 2025-26 stats – Top goal scorers, assists and results
Karl Darlow – 2
Had no saves to make until the 63rd minute when he parried a shot into a dangerous area and then allowed a tame rebound to go through his legs. The sort of mistake that cost Illan Meslier his place in the side.
Sam Byram – 6
A proud game, if not a result, as he captained the side for the first time and followed it up with a steady display. Got forward well and delivered some dangerous passes.
Jaka Bijol – 5
Alert to danger when Wednesday tried to catch Leeds cold and some strong challenges but not the assured display you’d want from a £15m centre-back.
Sebastiaan Bornauw – 4
Given a bit of a run around by young striker George Brown, who harried the defender and won some fouls. Sebastiaan Bornauw was also sloppy and loose on the ball and struggled in his first start.
Not the only new signing to have an underwhelming debut.
Jack Harrison – 7
Leeds’ best starter by some distance and looked like the only one actually trying to impress in a second-string side. Deployed at left-back, Jack Harrison worked very hard in an unfamiliar position and was alone in his efforts to actually drive Leeds up the field.
Crossing when he got into good positions remains an issue but that sort of effort may help redeem himself with fans.
Ilia Gruev – 4
Tidy enough on the ball but rarely did anything worthwhile with it. A fairly anonymous display and hooked with 20 to go.
Sean Longstaff – 5
Attempted some nice lofted balls to break the lines but could have got forward more in a performance lacking much adventure. Easily bypassed at points as Wednesday tried to break. Hardly played himself into contention and missed from the spot.
Brenden Aaronson – 5
Got into several good positions on the right but his finishing was nowhere near clinical enough. Had more chances than anyone else in front of the goal but was wasteful. Plus, his distribution was poor.
Joel Piroe – 4
Wayward throughballs and a complete lack of creative spark, Joel Piroe won’t be getting the playmaker spot in a Premier League match. That’s for sure.
Did go close with a free-kick but missed in the shoot-out.
Noah Okafor – 3
It was an inauspicious start for Leeds’ marquee winger on his first start.
Noah Okafor looked really rusty and could hardly beat a man despite being up against young defenders with very little experience. Big improvements will be needed.
Lukas Nmecha – 6
Leeds’ best attacker and unfortunate to be taken off before the hour, but that’s hopefully because he will start on Saturday. He was a threat with smart movement and a willingness to shoot, while his good hold-up play drew fouls and brought others into play. A decent showing.
Substitutes
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 4
Some nice movement in attacking areas but failed to score any of four great chances, including a sitter in added time, and his penalty has just hit orbit.
Willy Gnonto – 7
Did more within 10 minutes of coming off the bench than any of the forwards had before him. Immediately injected urgency and pace into the attack and went close on a couple of occasions. No surprise that he was crucial in the leveller with a delightful pass to Bogle.
Jayden Bogle – 8
Had a great impact off the bench, and not just with his wonderfully worked goal. Bogle brought much-needed energy to the attack and scored a fine goal.
Anton Stach – 5
Good on the ball but quiet.
Dan James – 6
Lively on the flank.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
