Leeds United Secures Draw at Watford Thanks to Joseph’s Late Goal
Leeds United extended their unbeaten league run to 14 games with a late goal from substitute Mateo Joseph, securing a draw against Watford at Vicarage Road. Despite missing the chance to return to the top of the Championship, Leeds managed to salvage a point and remain in second place, one point behind new leaders Ipswich.
Watford produced an impressive first half, with goals from Vakoun Bayo and Emmanuel Dennis sandwiching a stunning strike from Leeds’ Crysencio Summerville. The hosts went into half-time with a 2-1 lead, leaving Leeds trailing for the first time since Boxing Day.
Watford’s opener came after Edo Kayembe won the ball in midfield and set up Yaser Asprilla, whose shot was saved by Leeds’ Illan Meslier but fell to Bayo, who volleyed it into the net. This goal marked only the fourth time Leeds had conceded in 14 league games in 2024, and the first from open play since December.
Leeds equalized eight minutes before half-time when Summerville unleashed a superb right-footed effort from the left touchline, bending it past Watford goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann and inside the far post. However, Watford quickly regained the lead just before the break as Dennis danced his way into the box and curled a powerful shot low into the corner.
In the second half, Leeds dominated possession but struggled to find a breakthrough. Bachmann made a crucial save to deny Summerville, while Dan James’ cross-shot narrowly missed Patrick Bamford. However, it was substitute Mateo Joseph who made an immediate impact, scoring just 25 seconds after coming off the bench. Joseph forced the ball home from close range after Summerville delivered a low cross into the six-yard box.
Both teams pushed for a late winner, with Leeds’ Jaidon Anthony being denied by a superb save from Bachmann. However, neither side could find the decisive goal, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
This result extends Watford’s winless streak at Vicarage Road to 10 league matches while maintaining Leeds’ impressive unbeaten run. The draw sees Leeds remain in contention for promotion, just one point behind Ipswich at the top of the Championship.
Line-ups:
Watford: Bachmann, Pollock, Sierralta, Porteous, Andrews, Kayembe, Dele-Bashiru, Lewis, Asprilla, Bayo, Dennis
Leeds: Meslier, Gray, Rodon, Cooper, Byram, Kamara, Ampadu, James, Rutter, Summerville, Bamford
Referee: David Webb
Attendance: 20,236