Daniel Farke’s changes prove decisive as Leeds turn tide on Brentford
A half-time double substitution, with a switch to a flat back four, helped the Yorkshire side come from behind to earn a point.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke pulled off another tactical masterstroke at Elland Road as his side fought back to draw 1-1 against Brentford.
Expectation was high among Leeds fans for their opening home game of the season, but they were dealt a reality check inside 45 minutes against Keith Andrews’ impressive visitors.
Brentford’s first-half superiority was such that Farke was forced into a major half-time tactical reshuffle after Kevin Schade’s excellent finish had given the visitors the lead five minutes before the break.
In his side’s 3-2 defeat at Manchester City in November last year, Farke switched from a four-man defence to a back three and his side responded with an improved display that underpinned their transformation last season.
This time he ditched his back three of summer signing Tarik Muharemovic, Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol after his side had been given the runaround and began the second half with a back four.
Rodon had already limped out injured – he was replaced by Nico Elvedi – and during the interval Farke replaced Bijol and midfielder Brenden Aaronson with Harry Wilson and Ao Tanaka.
Brentford had 11 shots in the first half as they stretched Leeds at every opportunity, but Leeds responded to the changes and turned the tide.
No longer outnumbered in midfield and out-manouvered, the home side chased an equaliser and were rewarded when Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck his first goal of the season in the 79th minute.