Leeds United returned from the international break with a hard-fought 2-2 draw at Watford.
Many of Leeds’ squad were clearly feeling the effects of being in action for their respective countries just a couple of days earlier, and so in the end, Daniel Farke was pleased to come away with a point.
Leeds were a comfortable second best in the opening 45 minutes and deservedly found themselves 2-1 down at the break, despite Crysencio Summerville’s stunning equaliser.
After the introduction of Junior Firpo in place of Liam Cooper, as well as the injury to Watford’s Emmanuel Dennis, Leeds were able to show a much better version of themselves in the final half-an-hour.
Farke ended up throwing on a number of attackers in the closing stages and was eventually rewarded as Mateo Joseph earned Leeds a point five minutes from time just a matter of moments after coming on.
Chelsea and Barcelona stars react after what 20-year-old did for Leeds last night
That was actually Joseph’s first ever league goal for Leeds having only previously found the back of the net in the FA Cup at Chelsea, a game in which he scored twice.
With that said, Joseph is still actually awaiting his full league debut for Leeds and surely now he is knocking on the door to do so, as his cameos continue to just get better and better.
This equaliser caps a dream week on a personal level for Joseph, having also scored his first goal for Spain U21s on Tuesday in just his second match, which was also just minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Joseph posted on Instagram earlier this morning to share his delight at being able to contribute for the team, as well as looking ahead to Hull City on Monday.
He said: “We take the point and move on. Happy to help the team with a goal. Let’s go for the next one.”
Joseph already showing signs he can be unlikely Leeds hero in run-in
Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez and Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka were among the players to show their support in the comments to Joseph’s Instagram post, after his goal last night.
The 20-year-old now surely has to be in contention for making his first Leeds start at some point in the next few weeks, regardless of the pressurised situation.
Every time he comes on he shows he is more than capable of performing at this level, while his two-goal display at Chelsea was also evidence of what he can do from the start.
Patrick Bamford has led the line really well since coming into the team in January, but it would be unfair if Joseph did not get his chance.
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