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Watford 2-2 Leeds United: Substitute Mateo Joseph earns point for promotion-hunting Whites

By Alex HoadBBC Sport

Last updated on .From the section Championshipcomments425

Emmanuel Dennis celebrates with a backflip
Emmanuel Dennis scored just before the break to put Watford ahead

Leeds United missed the chance to return to the top of the Championship but snatched a point late on at Watford to extend their unbeaten league run to 14 games.

The hosts produced perhaps their best half of the season as Vakoun Bayo and Emmanuel Dennis struck before the break, either side of a Crysencio Summerville stunner, to put them 2-1 ahead at half-time.

But substitute Mateo Joseph bundled in a leveller, just 25 seconds after coming off the bench, to extend Watford's winless streak at Vicarage Road to 10 league matches.

Second-placed Leeds are a point behind new leaders Ipswich after conceding twice in a league game for the first time since Boxing Day.

Despite Watford making a bright start, they failed to create many early chances before Hornets keeper Daniel Bachmann made a smart reaction save to keep out Summerville's low angled strike from the edge of the box.

But Watford deservedly went ahead after Edo Kayembe won the ball in midfield and spread it left to Jamal Lewis who found Yaser Asprilla. The ball was cut back for Dennis whose powerful drive was parried by Illan Meslier, but only as far as Bayo who lashed home the rebound on the volley.

It was just the fourth goal Leeds had conceded in 14 league games in 2024 and the first from open play since 29 December.

Joe Rodon produced a fine recovery tackle to deny Dennis a second moments later, and eight minutes before the break Summerville levelled with his 16th goal of the season and first in eight games.

The Dutchman drove from the left touchline to the corner of the area and bent a sublime right-footed effort past Bachmann and inside the far post.

Mattie Pollock saw a header from a corner held by Meslier but Dennis restored the hosts' lead with a fine solo goal just before half-time, jinking in from the right of the area and bamboozling Liam Cooper with nifty footwork before curling a powerful effort low into the corner.

Leeds dominated possession without much to show for it for much of the second half. Bachmann stood firm to turn a Summerville toe-poke from close range round his near post while Dan James' cross-shot narrowly evaded the sliding Patrick Bamford.

However, Spain Under-21 international Joseph made an immediate impact with the fastest goal by a substitute in the Championship this season.

The excellent Summerville drifted to the left, crossed low into the six-yard box and 20-year-old Joseph prodded in at the second time of asking.

Fellow substitute Jaidon Anthony was denied by a superb save with his feet by Bachmann as the visitors sought to win it late on, but both sides had to settle for a point.

Watford interim manager Tom Cleverley:

"I thought it was a much stronger performance even though we have not got the three points. For the first 65 minutes we were excellent, I'm really proud of the players tonight.

"What pleased me most was the focus of the players, not one switched off.

"Now my job is to create a game plan to win every game and I thought the players absolutely nailed it."

Leeds boss Daniel Farke:

"I will take this point all day long. I am really happy and proud of the boys. We played this game at the worst possible moment. Watford, they have a new manager and there is new belief, he knows the players inside out and they were unleashed and had a great start.

"We had the worst possible international break. For us three players came back injured and three Welsh players had the disappointment of not being allowed to go to the Euros. We had not one first team training session as a team.

"We had to play this game by just pressing a button and we were not at our best rhythm. Then to play such a second half, I'm pretty happy with the outcome."

Line-ups

Watford

Formation 3-4-1-2

  • 1Bachmann
  • 15Pollock
  • 3Sierralta
  • 5Porteous
  • 45Andrews
  • 39Kayembe
  • 24Dele-Bashiru
  • 6Lewis
  • 18AsprillaSubstituted forInceat 80'minutes
  • 19BayoSubstituted forRajovicat 90'minutes
  • 25DennisSubstituted forKonéat 58'minutes

Substitutes

  • 7Ince
  • 8Livermore
  • 9Rajovic
  • 11Koné
  • 16Chakvetadze
  • 26Hamer
  • 37Martins
  • 42Morris
  • 59Grieves

Leeds

Formation 4-2-3-1

  • 1Meslier
  • 22Gray
  • 14Rodon
  • 6CooperSubstituted forFirpoat 64'minutes
  • 25ByramSubstituted forAnthonyat 84'minutes
  • 8KamaraSubstituted forJosephat 84'minutes
  • 4Ampadu
  • 20James
  • 24RutterSubstituted forPiroeat 74'minutes
  • 10Summerville
  • 9Bamford

Substitutes

  • 3Firpo
  • 5Cresswell
  • 7Piroe
  • 12Anthony
  • 17Shackleton
  • 28Darlow
  • 30Gelhardt
  • 49Joseph
  • 50Crew
Referee:
David Webb
Attendance:
20,236

Match Stats

Home TeamWatfordAway TeamLeeds
Possession
Home37%
Away63%
Shots
Home9
Away12
Shots on Target
Home5
Away8
Corners
Home8
Away5
Fouls
Home15
Away5

Live Text

  1. Post update

    Match ends, Watford 2, Leeds United 2.

  2. Full Time

    Second Half ends, Watford 2, Leeds United 2.

  3. Post update

    Jaidon Anthony (Leeds United) wins a free kick on the right wing.

  4. Post update

    Foul by Ryan Porteous (Watford).

  5. Post update

    Foul by Daniel James (Leeds United).

  6. Post update

    Ryan Porteous (Watford) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  7. Post update

    Patrick Bamford (Leeds United) wins a free kick on the left wing.

  8. Post update

    Foul by Mattie Pollock (Watford).

  9. Post update

    Foul by Mateo Joseph (Leeds United).

  10. Post update

    Mattie Pollock (Watford) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  11. Substitution

    Substitution, Watford. Mileta Rajovic replaces Vakoun Bayo.

  12. Post update

    Archie Gray (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  13. Post update

    Foul by Tom Ince (Watford).

  14. Post update

    Junior Firpo (Leeds United) wins a free kick on the left wing.

  15. Post update

    Foul by Vakoun Bayo (Watford).

  16. Post update

    Foul by Crysencio Summerville (Leeds United).

  17. Post update

    Ryan Andrews (Watford) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  18. Post update

    Corner, Leeds United. Conceded by Daniel Bachmann.

  19. Post update

    Attempt saved. Jaidon Anthony (Leeds United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner.

  20. Post update

    Attempt saved. Crysencio Summerville (Leeds United) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Joël Piroe.

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425 comments

  • Comment posted by The Cloud, at 22:16 29 Mar

    Watford fan here. I'm surprised we got a point and disappointed we didn't win when 2-1 up so late on. However, Leeds are a very good side and Watford have not been great this season, so a point is a step closer to safety.
    Good luck to Leeds in their quest for an immediate return to the Premier League.

    • Reply posted by zua, at 22:26 29 Mar

      zua replied:
      Anyone but LUFC
      Please God Foxes & Saints get promoted
      COYH forever, but never little Weeds

  • Comment posted by Poundarkers, at 22:20 29 Mar

    Watford fan here. Great match to watch and we would have taken a draw before the game. Tom C has done well in his first 2 games with Watford playing much more positive football than we've seen this season.
    Good luck to Leeds in your promotion push. I hope you achieve it. Passionate fans and exciting football played in the right way.

    • Reply posted by Des G Runtled, at 22:25 29 Mar

      Des G Runtled replied:
      Watford appear to be better than the league table suggests a proper handful

  • Comment posted by Burlster67, at 22:17 29 Mar

    Farke started wrong side tonight. As much as Cooper gives 100% & is a good ambassador for the club, there’s no way he should be starting. Rodon & Ampadu have to be side by side. Leeds were of the pace especially first half, even so we didn’t fold & earned a good point. Joseph has to have more game time, looks quality. 7 cup finals left…MOT

    • Reply posted by Ninjary Time, at 22:25 29 Mar

      Ninjary Time replied:
      Totally agree Cooper was poor and should have been replaced earlier half a yard short in pace and out of position numerous times

  • Comment posted by Johnathon Erskine Brown, at 22:10 29 Mar

    Love Cooper, he's been a star at Leeds, but he's clearly past his sell by date. Good point against a spirited Watford. MOT!

    • Reply posted by Bigpad, at 22:12 29 Mar

      Bigpad replied:
      Yep, he was second best most of the night. Who is that Talk Sport commentator, by the way? What a tool he is.

  • Comment posted by Exiled Tyke, at 22:15 29 Mar

    It's a measure of how far we've come when there's disappointment after not winning away. 38 points from 42 is awesome. Just need to keep the belief for the run in. This is a hard fought promotion battle and we are more than capable of getting over the line. So proud of this team. ALAW.

    • Reply posted by D1712259585667, at 22:28 29 Mar

      D1712259585667 replied:
      You think. Stop creating mini leagues. You're on 83 pts that's it. Vile team

  • Comment posted by mark, at 22:14 29 Mar

    Well done in keeping going and grabbing a point. Coopers been a great servant but we are a lesser side when he is in it. Not sure Farke selection worked tonight, maybe could have started with Archie in midfield. But a point on the road is ok, still in the mix and working so hard! Well done lads!

    • Reply posted by Winners And Sinners, at 23:12 29 Mar

      Winners And Sinners replied:
      Even though Leeds salvaged a point, they will still be disappointed that they didn't win this 'winnable game' and missed on the chance to go top.

  • Comment posted by Chezal, at 22:12 29 Mar

    What a brilliant season this is, still any two from the top four.
    Ipswich fan

    • Reply posted by Dave Dag, at 22:25 29 Mar

      Dave Dag replied:
      Yep - cracking competition between sides showing true grit and playing some very attractive football.

      Advantage Ipswich today but can change so easily.

  • Comment posted by the peoples poet, at 22:11 29 Mar

    Make no mistake, that was a BIG point for Leeds against a decent Watford side.
    As a Leeds fan, i think watford were worth the point, first half, we were unusually mediocre.
    Managers subs were a little late, Cooper should have been off before.

    • Reply posted by north Yorkie, at 22:19 29 Mar

      north Yorkie replied:
      I was screaming for him to bring Matteo on - he’s scored 3 goals in about 100 mins game time and 2 against a Prem team. Faster than Bamford as well.

  • Comment posted by Rich T, at 22:14 29 Mar

    Right. So it appears that Mateo Joseph is a goalscorer who scores goals. So could we per chance give him a few more minutes as opposed to starting Bamford or sending on Piroe.

    • Reply posted by nwm66, at 22:41 29 Mar

      nwm66 replied:
      That sounds like a way too simple solution for Leeds. More likely that they continue in similar fashion where 3 points and a result elsewhere is needed on the final day for a top 2 finish.

  • Comment posted by gobby howrongur, at 22:16 29 Mar

    Considering how many Leeds players were away on international duty , plus the Welsh loss for some to get over, that was a great performance. Still undefeated this year got to take that . Come on Leeds MOT ALAW

    • Reply posted by THOMASFOX, at 23:51 29 Mar

      THOMASFOX replied:
      Yeah because Leeds is the only side in the Championship who have to cont3nd with international fixtures.

  • Comment posted by asif, at 22:13 29 Mar

    No gnonto for a few weeks is going to hurt us and goodness me we missed gruyev big time too

    • Reply posted by Manic Miner, at 22:27 29 Mar

      Manic Miner replied:
      Gruev's simplicity is missed badly when things get complicated.

  • Comment posted by Swifty, at 22:18 29 Mar

    I'll take a point because Watford were decent, but it should be obvious by now that Amps and Rodon are our two centre backs, build everything else in the team around the fact that they should never ever be separated.

    • Reply posted by Dani A, at 22:50 29 Mar

      Dani A replied:
      Great point for Watford as well. 2 weeks ago, under the old regime, you would have thrashed us.

  • Comment posted by Jeff Harris, at 22:22 29 Mar

    Watford deserved a share of the spoils A good point for Leeds ,you can't win every football match ,but we are right in the mix .

  • Comment posted by Robofleeds, at 22:17 29 Mar

    Welsh players looked tired, Rutter out of sorts after op, Cooper useless, Bamford no service. A poor performance today but a valuable point. It will be better Monday

  • Comment posted by mel2017, at 22:13 29 Mar

    Well done Tom Cleverly and the team didn't think you would get anything against Leeds

  • Comment posted by Steve, at 22:11 29 Mar

    Seems the international break and enforced changes upset our rhythm. Well played Watford tho.. It’s gonna be a nervy end to the season. MOT

    • Reply posted by honey pot, at 22:15 29 Mar

      honey pot replied:
      Excuses excuses

  • Comment posted by nwm66, at 22:14 29 Mar

    The opposition always have a chance when Cooper's in the starting XI.

    • Reply posted by Davie, at 22:26 29 Mar

      Davie replied:
      As a Scotland supporter I have to agree 100%

  • Comment posted by smudgerwhite, at 22:10 29 Mar

    Ok thanks Coops but legs now gone so stick with Amps and Rodin
    Also Joseph is a better option than Pat from start - is it not obvious? MOT

    • Reply posted by Trader88, at 22:15 29 Mar

      Trader88 replied:
      100%

  • Comment posted by Its the youngans again, at 22:10 29 Mar

    Off the pace today by a mile But still going and getting a result priceless

  • Comment posted by Simon, at 22:18 29 Mar

    We needed that quality of the bench. Rutter was v quiet and should have gone off earlier. Overall a very average performance. We were outplayed in midfield and Watford deserved their half time lead. We need to get back on track v Hull as Ipswich just keep going

    • Reply posted by BAC, at 22:54 29 Mar

      BAC replied:
      Rutter had a hernia operation 10 days ago and hasn’t trained. Cooper hasn’t started for Leeds in 2024 and played 90 mins for Scotland 3 days ago. The Welsh lads played 120 mins (and James had penalty saved). Archie Gray played 100mins in 2 games for England’s/21.
      Firpo flew back from Peru arriving yesterday. What did we expect? Absurd fixture arrangement.

As It Stood

TeamPWDLFAGDPts
1Ipswich39259581493284
2Leeds39258672304283
3Leicester38264874344082
4Southampton37228774482674
5West Brom3919101060372367
6Norwich391971371551664
7Coventry3816121062441860
8Preston38178135254-259
9Hull381610125348558
10Middlesbrough39167165453155
11Cardiff39165184353-1053
12Sunderland39156185045551
13Bristol City39148174345-250
14Watford391213145553249
15Swansea391211164959-1047
16Millwall391111173751-1444
17Stoke39128193753-1644
18QPR391110183851-1343
19Blackburn39119195165-1442
20Plymouth391011185564-941
21Birmingham39109204361-1839
22Huddersfield39815164364-2139
23Sheff Wed39116223162-3139
24Rotherham39311253080-5020
View full Championship table

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