Brentford land latest blow to Leeds' hopes of automatic promotion

Brentford 2-0 Leeds United: Goals from Neal Maupay and Sergi Canos consigned Marcelo Bielsa's side to a second successive defeat

Tyler Roberts reacts after squandering an opportunity in front of goal (PA)

It was all going so well for Leeds. Had results fallen in their favour over the long and hot Easter weekend, a win today could have clinched promotion and put an end to their turbulent battle with Sheffield United for second place. But, instead, not only did that hope crumble away in just a couple of days, so did their defence against a Brentford side playing for little more than pride, with goals from Neal Maupay and Sergi Canos separating the two.

Although they’ve only faced off here nine times since, Leeds’ last win at Brentford was in August 1950 – though the significance resting on today’s visit was no doubt the greatest yet. It was a must-win game in the same way their defeat at home to Wigan was on Friday. Crucial ties against Aston Villa and Ipswich follow, but it’s Sheffield United who now hold all the cards with a three-point gap between them.

Leeds were looking the far better side early on here at Griffin Park. Under constant pressure from Marcelo Bielsa’s tireless midfield, Brentford were quick to give away possession in their own half and allow the visitors in on a number of occasions, gifting them golden opportunities that would ultimately fade throughout the game. Things may have taken a different turn had referee Keith Stroud awarded what looked a certain penalty when Patrick Bamford was floored by Julian Jeanvier in the first 20 minutes.

Added to the entertaining, free-flowing style, and the peppering of chances for Leeds, it felt like a goal was always moments away from the very beginning. But the football was far from clinical from the visitors, and they were just as open for business at the back as Brentford. It allowed the hosts to take the lead just before half time, Canos putting through top scorer Maupay on the break, splitting the Leeds centre-backs before the striker fired past Kiko Casilla.

Though it was a day to forget for United overall, Tyler Roberts had a particularly poor game up front for the visitors. The young forward was given ample opportunity and flopped in front of goal twice in the first half. He was notably poised to tuck home an equaliser just moments after Brentford opened the scoring but curled his shot wide away from goal.

Neal Maupay scores the opening goal for Brentford (Getty)

Canos however was in top form for Brentford, stepping in for the injured Said Benrahma on the left wing, with his quick feet the home side’s biggest asset going forward. Canos switched from provider to goalscorer in the second half, Maupay threading through the Spaniard to neatly flick over the keeper and dance off in celebration. It prompted mocking chants of “you’re not going up” to the travelling fans who were now hushed into silence. Their fight for automatic promotion was vanishing fast before their eyes.

After the second goal the home side were opening up Leeds with ease, even throwing in some fancy skill and trickery going forward. Canos should have made it three with 20 minutes to go as the winger was put through on the right and fought his way into the box. It would have been a sterling finish had he managed to put it away after rounding Casilla, but the goalkeeper got a crucial hand to the ball to scupper the player’s efforts.

Sergi Canos doubled the hosts' lead against Marcelo Bielsa's side (PA)

Though Leeds were still pushing in the second half, with 18 attempts in total, they looked less and less likely to score as the game wore on, and heads eventually began to drop in spite of an actively gesticulating Bielsa on the touchline. They knew the damage had been done, and it was Brentford who looked the more likely to get a third.

When these two sides met back at Elland Road in early October, ambitions were in a different state of affairs. Though a similar game in its style, Brentford were hanging around the top six with Dean Smith in charge and promotion a possibility. Instead, they’ve now played a hand in potentially denying Leeds a return to the top flight.