Dominic Calvert-Lewin maintained his impressive scoring run as Leeds United claimed a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, denying the Bees another valuable home victory.
In a match short on clear-cut chances but rich in tension, the Leeds striker struck late to cancel out Jordan Henderson’s opener and ensure Daniel Farke’s side left west London with a point that could prove vital in their battle to stay clear of relegation.
The first half was cagey, with both teams prioritising structure over adventure. Brentford, so often fluent on home soil, struggled to find rhythm against a disciplined Leeds side set up in a compact 3-5-2 shape. Leeds, in turn, were content to sit deep and frustrate their hosts, offering little in attack but plenty of resilience.
The key moment before the break came when Brentford were awarded a penalty after Dango Ouattara went down under contact. Celebrations were short-lived, however, as VAR intervened to rule the move offside, overturning the decision after a lengthy check and leaving the score level at half-time.
The game opened up slightly after the restart, though chances remained scarce. Brentford finally found a breakthrough on 70 minutes when Jordan Henderson’s low effort from the edge of the area took a deflection off Jaka Bijol and looped into the net. It was a significant moment for the England midfielder, marking his first Premier League goal since December 2021 and his first in the competition for Brentford.
At 35 years and 180 days, Henderson also became the club’s oldest Premier League goalscorer, and he marked the occasion with an emotional tribute to former Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident earlier this year.
The goal appeared set to reward Brentford’s persistence, but Leeds responded with renewed belief rather than deflation. Farke urged his side forward and was rewarded 12 minutes from time when Calvert-Lewin once again proved decisive.
Wilfried Gnonto delivered a teasing cross from the left and the striker, afforded too much space by the Brentford defence, rose highest to power a close-range header past Caoimhin Kelleher. It was Calvert-Lewin’s fourth goal in as many Premier League games, underlining his growing importance since arriving as a free agent in the summer.
Brentford pushed for a late winner but lacked the sharpness required to break Leeds down, while the visitors were content to manage the closing stages and secure a point.
For Brentford boss Keith Andrews, there was frustration at letting another home win slip away. Having taken 17 of their 20 points this season at the Gtech, this was only the second time they had dropped points there, after a draw with Manchester City.
Leeds, meanwhile, will take encouragement from both the result and their continued improvement. Since switching to a back three earlier this month, Farke’s side have looked more organised and mentally robust. Narrow defeat at Manchester City, a win over Chelsea and draws against Liverpool and now Brentford suggest a team growing in confidence.
Calvert-Lewin’s form has been central to that revival. Once plagued by injuries, the 28-year-old is now providing Leeds with the cutting edge they desperately need. While talk of an England recall may be premature, his goals could be crucial in keeping Leeds in the Premier League.
The draw leaves Brentford 14th in the table, with Leeds 17th and three points clear of the relegation zone. As the season approaches its midway point, both sides will see this as a reminder that fine margins continue to define their campaigns.
