The desperation of television executives to get as much football on screens caused this match to be moved to 8pm on a Saturday night, but it was certainly not prime-time viewing. Leeds and Brentford played out a goalless draw so devoid of interest and entertainment that even those who tuned into Mrs Brown’s Boys on BBC Three will feel smug for avoiding it.
There was barely a chance of note as Leeds went a sixth game without victory, securing a fourth blank as they moved four points clear of the relegation zone. Victory would have put Brentford joint on points with sixth-placed Chelsea and they will be happier with the draw, which will be some consolation for the long journey back to the capital in the early hours, thanks to the inconsiderate scheduling.
Leeds’ defence went through Brentford’s traditional trial by set-piece routine in the early stages but managed to survive a couple of corners and a long throw unscathed. It was an indication of what was to come from the visitors, while Leeds struggled to find any rhythm in possession.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin received a first international callup in five years this week, in recognition of his fine form since moving to Elland Road on a free transfer in the summer, and he was serenaded with chants of “England’s No 9”. He almost added an 11th goal this season by flicking a cross to the back post but Michael Kayode was well positioned to clear, clinching the award of the most interesting moment of the opening half hour.
At a critical stage for Brentford’s battle to qualify for Europe the squad is threadbare. Ethan Pinnock made his fourth Premier League appearances of the season while five of the bench had not debuted in the league and another only had 38 minutes to his name. Igor Thiago, who is in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad, had the confident air of a man who is able to represent the five-time world champions, irritating the Leeds centre-backs despite a lack of service.
Leeds dominated possession in the closing stages of the first half but without penetration. Lukas Nmecha stinging Caoimhín Kelleher’s palms with a low drive was the closest they came to threatening the Brentford goal. The fixture was becoming a summary of the modern Premier League, lacking in quality and entertainment.
The large TV screen in the corner brought the message “Own Goal. Stay Off The Pitch” which felt like a criticism of the performances on show, rather than a warning to attendees. The fans noticed the lacklustre nature of the offering, with the home supporters knowing they had to inspire the team rather than vice versa on this occasion. The noise grew, in the hope the tempo and aggression would match the decibels. Ethan Ampadu took notice and hit a rising drive at Kelleher in the 55th minute. It did not test the goalkeeper but at least it was a sign of intent.
In the 69th minute, Kelleher sat on the floor, desperately pretending he needed treatment for a fictional injury, so Andrews could bring members of his team over for a chat. To be fair to Brentford, they did send the substitute goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson out to warm up, which is more effort than most teams make with their tactical timeouts.
Leeds had a few set pieces that encouraged the prospect of a winner but it was never likely, certainly not from open play. Kayode did his own bit for Brentford, warming up the arms a few times, only to see his long throws easily headed away.
It was hard to tell when the fourth official confirmed five minutes of injury time if the boos were for a lack or excess of additional time. Doomed duo Wolves and Burnley are the next visitors to Elland Road, and Leeds will be targeting maximum points in the battle to survive because it feels like they will need to do the bulk of the work at home.
