Late Joseph goal earns Leeds point at Watford

Leeds United missed the chance to return to the top of the Championship but snatched a point late on at Watford to extend their unbeaten league run to 14 games.

But substitute Mateo Joseph bundled in a leveller five minutes from time, seconds after coming off the bench, to extend Watford’s winless streak at Vicarage Road to 10 league matches.

Second-placed Leeds are a point behind new leaders Ipswich after conceding twice in a league game for the first time since Boxing Day.

Despite Watford making a bright start, they failed to create many early chances before Hornets keeper Daniel Bachmann made a smart reaction save to keep out Summerville’s low angled strike from the edge of the box.

But Watford deservedly went ahead after Edo Kayembe won the ball in midfield and spread it left to Jamal Lewis who found Yaser Asprilla. The ball was cut back for Dennis whose powerful drive was parried by Illan Meslier, but only as far as Bayo who lashed home the rebound on the volley.

It was just the fourth goal Leeds had conceded in 14 league games in 2024 and the first from open play since 29 December.

Joe Rodon produced a fine recovery tackle to deny Dennis a second moments later, and eight minutes before the break Summerville levelled with his 16th goal of the season and first in eight games.

The Dutchman drove from the left touchline to the corner of the area and bent a sublime right-footed effort past Bachmann and inside the far post.

Mattie Pollock saw a header from a corner held by Meslier but Dennis restored the hosts’ lead with a fine solo goal just before half-time, jinking in from the right of the area and bamboozling Liam Cooper with nifty footwork before curling a powerful effort low into the corner.

Leeds dominated possession without much to show for it for much of the second half. Bachmann stood firm to turn a Summerville toe-poke from close range round his near post while Dan James’ cross-shot narrowly evaded the sliding Patrick Bamford.

However, Spain Under-21 international Joseph made an immediate impact just 25 seconds after coming off the bench, forcing home at the second time after Summerville drifted to the byeline and crossed low into the six-yard box.

Fellow substitute Jaidon Anthony was denied by a superb save with his feet by Bachmann as the visitors sought to win it late on, but both sides had to settle for a point.