Leeds United’s inaugural Yorkshire derby of the season concluded with a goalless draw against Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road.
Manager Daniel Farke, at the helm of Leeds, introduced two alterations to the lineup that triumphed over Ipswich Town last weekend. Jamie Shackleton and Crysencio Summerville took the places of the injured Sam Byram and the departed Luis Sinisterra.
The visiting side posed a threat early in the game. Within seven minutes, Michael Smith delivered a cross to Josh Windass, but the latter couldn’t muster enough power behind his shot.
Joel Piroe made his Elland Road debut, having been unavailable for the midweek Salford City match due to cup-tie regulations. He received a pass from Summerville but missed the target with a shot from the edge of the box.
Summerville was the next to come close for the Whites, engaging in a delightful one-two with Georginio Rutter, but failing to keep his strike on target.
In the 38th minute, Summerville played a precise through ball to Rutter, who entered the Owls’ box but couldn’t best Devis Vasquez from an acute angle.
Four minutes later, Gnonto made a dangerous break into the box but could only find the side netting from a tight angle, resulting in both sides entering halftime on equal terms.
Half-time score: Leeds United 0-0 Sheffield Wednesday
Leeds began the second half on a positive note. Jamie Shackleton cut inside from the left flank and entered the Wednesday box, curling an effort just inches over the bar.
Illan Meslier was called into action when Michael Smith brought down a high ball and attempted a turn-and-shoot, but he couldn’t overcome the French goalkeeper.
On the opposite end, Vasquez made an excellent save when Rutter set up Summerville for a goal-scoring opportunity, maintaining the level scoreline. From the ensuing corner, Luke Ayling headed a Gnotno cross into the ground and wide.
As the game transitioned into an end-to-end contest, the Owls created another chance, but Meslier produced an outstanding stop to thwart Windass as he raced through one-on-one.
Gnonto was the next to try his luck, unleashing a bending effort from 20 yards after cutting inside from the right, but his shot narrowly missed the target.
The Owls had a promising opportunity from a well-executed corner routine. Windass broke into the Leeds box and set up Callum Paterson, but he fired over from close range.
In the 77th minute, Rutter skillfully evaded the offside trap, latching onto a precise pass from Ethan Ampadu, but could only shoot straight at Vasquez.
Leeds continued to apply pressure in the closing stages, with Ampadu firing over, Gnonto’s shot deflecting off target, and Piroe sending a free-kick wide. However, they were unable to break the deadlock and had to settle for a point.
Full-time score: Leeds United 0-0 Sheffield Wednesday
