Leeds United maintained their unbeaten start to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Brentford at Elland Road. After Kevin Schade put the Bees ahead in a dominant first half, Dominic Calvert-Lewin rescued a point for the Whites with a late equalizer.
Daniel Farke’s initial tactical setup left Leeds overrun in midfield. Brentford’s central trio of Mamadou Sangare, Vitaly Janelt, and Mikkel Damsgaard controlled the opening period against Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach. This isolated wide players Noah Okafor and Brenden Aaronson. Aaronson was withdrawn at the break after managing zero shots and zero key passes from just 13 touches, though his quiet outing was largely a product of a flawed 3-4-2-1 system.
Farke shifted to a 4-3-3 at halftime to regain control, but the player deserving the most scrutiny is Daniel James. Brought on as a right wing-back for the final 22 minutes, the Welsh international failed to capitalize on a stretched game with abundant space.
Daniel James vs Brentford Stats
- Minutes Played: 22
- Possession Lost: 5 times (once every 4.4 minutes)
- Total Shots: 4
- Shots on Target: 0
- Key Passes / xA: 0 / 0.01
- Successful Crosses: 0/2
While substitute Lukas Nmecha set up Calvert-Lewin’s equalizer with a fine touch and cross, James repeatedly wasted promising attacks. Instead of picking out teammates on a key late entry into the box, he attempted a low shot that was easily blocked.
Despite scoring against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup earlier in the week, James has failed to register a single goal or assist in his last 20 Premier League appearances dating back to the start of last season. His raw speed remains an asset, but his lack of end product continues to frustrate.
With the transfer window closing shortly, Leeds should actively listen to offers to sell or loan the 28-year-old winger. Parting ways with James would allow Farke to pursue an upgrade in wide areas, with Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk linked as a potential target.