Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Sat 5 April 2025 15:14, UK

Daniel Farke’s side were handed yet another promotion blow as Leeds United were held to a 1-1 draw by Luton Town on Saturday.

Farke’s side were handed an early blow at Kenilworth Road as Isiah Jones latched onto Jordan Clark’s cross to the back post, opening the scoring after just 15 minutes on 5 April.

Dan James got the Whites straight back into the clash, firing home the equaliser just 13 minutes later, but it was a battle of the defences for the rest of the game as both sides struggled to hit the back of the net.

Patrick Bamford, who finally returned to the pitch for Leeds, had a couple of major chances in the closing stages, as did Brenden Aaronson, but Farke’s side were forced to settle for a single point away from home.

Pascal Struijk could be worrying miss for Leeds United

Karl Darlow – 7

With Illan Meslier finally bumped to the Leeds bench, the Welshman did well in what was his first league start of the 2024/25 campaign. Made key saves and was confident coming for crosses.

Jayden Bogle (Off for Sam Byram 87′) – 4

Failed to deal with Alfie Doughty down the left flank, being booked for a ridiculous challenge on his opposite number. Far from his best performance of the season.

Joe Rodon – 7

A couple of early mistakes from the experienced Welshman, but he bounced back, winning all necessary duels and kept the Hatters at bay after Jones’ opener.

Pascal Struijk (Off for Max Wober 86′) – 8 – Man of the Match

A cracking display from the Dutchman, who continues to push his teammates forward, even if the results are not the best. Rarely put a foot out of place and was a proper example. Will be a huge worry after limping off ahead amid the end-of-season run-in.

Junior Firpo – 6

A reasonably good performance from the left-back, but having offered little in the final third like usual, the 28-year-old was nowhere near his best at Kenilworth Road.

Dan James rescues a point at Kenilworth Road

Ao Tanaka – 4

An unusually disappointing performance from the Japan international, far below what fans have come to expect from him.

Ethan Ampadu – 6

Lacked accuracy at times, missing some key tackles and duels, but he continued to push as the club captain and deserved more from his performance.

Dan James – 7

Scored the much-needed equaliser, firing home from long range, but he offered a lot less for the rest of the game. The goal-hungry winger kept pushing, but it often meant losing the ball.

Wilfried Gnonto (Off for Patrick Bamford 63′) – 3

Barely made a scratch in the final third, making it just one goal contribution in his last 10 appearances across all competitions.

Manor Solomon (Off for Isaac Schmidt 87′) – 5

Started the game very well, threatening Luton’s goal with a few shots, but his impact on the game faded as the minutes ticked by at Kenilworth Road.

Joel Piroe (Off for Brenden Aaronson 79′) – 2

Almost invisible for the entirety of the match, struggling to have any real effect and deservedly replaced for the closing stages.

Patrick Bamford makes timely return from injury for the Whites

Substitutes

Patrick Bamford (On for Gnonto 63′) – 7

Incredibly unlucky not to find a winner for his team, having returned from injury after last featuring in New Year’s Day.

Brenden Aaronson (On for Piroe 79′) – 5

Couldn’t bring the expected impact despite the fresh legs. Battled away but never produced anything.

Max Wober (On for Struijk 86′) – N/A

Isaac Schmidt (On for Solomon 87′) – 6

Denied a brilliant chance to score a winner after being slipped in by Bamford.

Sam Byram (On for Bogle 87′) – N/A