The national media have had their say as Leeds United hunt for first win continues

A look at what the national media has had to say following Leeds United’s 1-1 draw with West Brom.

Leeds rally after Gnonto announcement

Ged Scott of BBC Sport said: “Leeds, beaten in injury time by a controversial injury-time penalty at Birmingham last Saturday, were rocked by the pre-match announcement that disaffected striker Wilfried Gnonto had officially handed in a transfer request. But there was little sign of any after-effects from that as, enlivened by their home support, Farke’s men had the better of the first half.

“They went closest when keeper Palmer saved from James, before Jamie Shackleton’s effort from range deflected off Cedric Kipre and hit the post. Leeds keeper Illan Meslier then needed a fine save of his own at the start of the second half when the recalled Thomas-Asante crossed for Albion skipper Jed Wallace at the near post, only for the Frenchman to touch it on to the post.

Read more: Ex-Leeds United man makes Dan James prediction after frustrating Elland Road spell

“Just a minute later, however, Albion’s luck was in when Leeds failed to deal with a near-post corner, Molumby shot at goal and it took two deflections. The second came off the arm of Thomas-Asante and went in but, with no video assistant referee facility in the English Football League, there was no comeback.

“Palmer then kept Leeds at bay when he topped his first-half save by soaring high to his left to magnificently deny James’ curler from 20 yards. But Leeds finally drew level when James cut back inside, delivered a teasing right-foot cross with his instep, Erik Pieters was caught flat-footed and Ayling timed his jump well to head powerfully home.

“Both sides had chances to snatch victory, which would have flattered Albion – but there were no further goals.”

Hosts fight back through Luke Ayling after Brandon Thomas-Asante seized the lead for the Baggies with a missed handball call at Elland Road

Ross Heppenstall of the Daily Mail wrote: “Daniel Farke admitted the challenge of rebuilding Leeds United is ‘one hell of a task’ on an emotionally-charged night at Elland Road. Brandon Thomas-Asante struck a controversial opener in the 52nd minute when Jayson Molumby’s shot deflected in off his hand – but with no VAR in the Championship the goal stood.

“Yet Daniel Farke’s men – roared on by their vociferous crowd – got the equaliser they deserved 18 minutes from time when the impressive Dan James crossed from the left and captain Luke Ayling headed home at the far post. The celebrations came against a backdrop of anger in the home stands with supporters voicing their disgust at Willy Gnonto as he looks to jump ship from Elland Road.

“The Italy striker has handed in a transfer request as he bids to force through a move away – yet Leeds maintain he is not for sale after rejecting a £25million bid from Everton. Gnonto was nowhere to be seen and seems unlikely to play for the club again while midfielder Tyler Adams is set for a switch to Bournemouth.

“Winger Luis Sinisterra was also absent and is similarly expected to leave with Farke, alarmingly, able to name only five outfield players on a bench which included two goalkeepers.”

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