Leeds fought back after going behind twice to earn a share of the spoils at Vicarage Road on Good Friday! Daniel Farke's men were well overdue a poor performance, and duly obliged, with a rendition resembling the horror show of last season. It was always going to be a difficult ask after the International break. Whilst the Hornets had six players out on International Duty, Daniel Farke had a total of six players to work with at Thorp Arch.

Four of the Leeds contingent were also involved in the Euro play off between Wales and Poland, which went to extra time and penalties just days before the Watford game. If that wasn't bad enough, the Leeds gaffer had to contend with fresh injuries to Conor Roberts, Ilia Gruev and Wilfred Gnonto, not to mention Georginio Rutter's surgery just ten days prior.

The hosts took the lead on the half hour mark. Meslier could only parry Emmanuel Dennis' goal bound from 12 yards out, and the rebound fell kindly for Vakoun Bayo who smashed the ball home before Cooper had time to react. Leeds drew level seven minutes later with a spectacular solo effort from Crysencio Summerville, bending the ball past Bachmann's outstretched dive, from the edge of the area; sending the 3000 travelling fans into rapturous jubilation. The half seemed destined to remain level pegging, until the stroke of half time, when Dennis (who had been a constant threat to the Leeds defence all half) regained the lead with a solo effort of his own, rounding two Leeds defenders in the process.

Leeds looked better in the second half, and when Ampadu dropped back into central defence, the visitors started to find their feet. This coincided with Firpo being bought on after an hour, freeing up Archie Gray to move to midfield. Byram switched to right back (where he looks far more comfortable) and finally Leeds started to resemble a side worthy of their Championship pecking order. Why it took Daniel Farke so long to make these changes is difficult to fathom; Leeds had been over-ran in the middle of the park, with absolutely no support to their lone striker who may as well on have been on the field.

Summerville (who has not been at his best over the last couple on months) ran the show for Leeds, and was the contributing factor when Leeds drew level five minutes before time. He picked out Joseph in a congested penalty area, who somehow managed to scramble the ball over the line. It wasn't a great performance, but all will be forgiven if they can get back to winning ways this evening for the arrival of Hull City.

	Line Up		Nat	Match Events
	1	Meslier, Illan Goalkeeper
	22	Gray, Archie Midfielder
	14	Rodon, Joe Defender
	6	Cooper, Liam Defender
	25	Byram, Sam Defender
	8	Kamara, Glen Midfielder
	4	Ampadu, Ethan Midfielder
	20	James, Daniel Midfielder
	24	Rutter, Georginio Forward
	10	Summerville, Crysencio Midfielder
	9	Bamford, Patrick Forward
	Subs		Nat	Match Events
	3	Firpo, Junior Defender
	7	Piroe, Joel Forward
	12	Anthony, Jaidon Midfielder
	49	Joseph, Mateo Forward
	5	Cresswell, Charlie Defender		Unused Sub
	17	Shackleton, Jamie Midfielder		Unused Sub
	26	Darlow, Karl Goalkeeper		Unused Sub
	30	Gelhardt, Joe Forward		Unused Sub
	50	Crew, Charlie Midfielder		Unused Sub

	References
	LEEDSTATS: Leeds United Season 2023/2024
	Sheridan Dictates: Season Statistics 2023-24
	Leeds United Programme Guide: Season 2023/24