Leeds United’s run of three consecutive wins came to and at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon as The Whites were held by Blackburn Rovers despite Pascal Struijk’s late penalty.
John Eustace proved to be Daniel Farke’s bogey man again, even if Farke did stop a run of three straight defeats against the Rovers boss since taking over at Leeds. Indeed, it looked as though Leeds would win.
A first half of little note sparked into life in the second. Injuries to Sam Byram and Jayden Bogle forced Farke to play Max Wober at left-back while Ethan Ampadu came on on the right side of the defence.
Leeds pushed and pushed, until Mateo Joseph won a penalty before Pascal Struijk stroked the ball home on 91 minutes. But, two minutes later, Danny Batth scored from a Blackburn corner and it ended 1-1.
Tony Dorigo cannot believe what Daniel Farke did in second half
With Farke forced already into bringing Byram and Bogle off, he then decided to make a triple change just before the 70th minute. On came Wilfried Gnonto, Patrick Bamford and Joseph from the Leeds bench.
It saw Joel Piroe, Joe Rothwell and surprisingly, Manor Solomon go off. That is despite the on-loan Spurs star probably being Leeds’ best player and delivering some super crosses throughout the 1-1 draw.
Commentating on LUTV, Tony Dorigo was stunned as Solomon off: “Solomon? Wow, okay. Just thought Solomon was the one, putting in some fantastic crosses in. But we have the attacking cavalry on now.”
Where do Leeds sit in the League table after Blackburn draw?
It means Farke has still failed to beat Eustace after a fourth meeting since the two have met following Farke’s arrival at Leeds. A 1-0 loss to Eustace at Birmingham, and two 1-0 losses as Blackburn manager.
But, luckily for Leeds, Burnley failed to beat Stoke City at home with the two sides drawing 0-0 at Turf Moor. It means Leeds go three points clear at the top of the Championship, ahead of tonight’s match.
Indeed, Sunderland and Sheffield United are doing battle in what is a current third against fourth. A win for Chris Wilder’s side will see them go level on points with Leeds, but that it is a tall order at Sunderland.
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