Sheffield Wednesday finally ended their wait for a Championship point on their return to the second-tier, frustrating Yorkshire rivals Leeds in an Elland Road stalemate.
Daniel Farke’s side have not quite hit their straps either so far this season, but had umpteen chances to pick up just a second win against a gutsy Wednesday.
August signing Joel Piroe almost added to his Leeds tally but dragged an effort wide, as Leeds looked to stamp their authority on the game.
Devis Vasquez in the Owls goal made a crucial save from Georginio Rutter, while Crysencio Summerville caused problems with his dynamic running, and Wilfried Gnonto was also denied a penalty.
Josh Windass had the best of Wednesday’s chances throughout, but could not find the back of the net, while Callum Paterson also had opportunities but it was the defensive effort that was most important as Xisco Munoz’s side finally got off the mark.
Although Wednesday’s grit earned them a point and a useful clean sheet, they were unable to turn their shots on target into goals as they had to play on the backfoot, particular in the second half.
Farke’s side piled on the pressure and dominated possession, but could only manage four shots on target their 16 efforts.
Leeds were able to give debuts to new signings Djed Spence and Glen Kamara but the same problems remain up top.
Rutter was busy but, despite testing goalkeeper Vasquez, he was unable to add to his one goal this season, while Piroe – a player brought in to bolster the tally – was also denied.
It remains a stuttering start for the German, with Leeds moored in mid-table, while Xisco’s Owls are second bottom, kept off only by Middlesbrough’s struggles.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke:
“We dominated the game and in the end it’s just a draw. The overriding feeling is definitely disappointing.
“We expected an opponent who would sit deep, wasting time a little bit and breaking our rhythm.
“My players created more than enough to win this game. Normally it’s more than enough to win two or three games.
“If you don’t find the first goal it’s difficult. We found it difficult to find the back of the net. Today we lacked the quality to bring the ball over the line and sadly this is crucial.”
Sheffield Wednesday boss Xisco Munoz:
“Most important for me was the level of the performance of the players. We had spoken a lot about the consistency we need and to keep clean sheets.
“The team every day is better and now we have two weeks because we need to work really hard.
“It was a point in a stadium where it is really difficult. I am happy because they gave a good performance.
“They are experienced players and they know exactly what they must do. We need to continue, this is only one step, this is only one performance.”
Line-ups
Leeds
Formation 4-2-3-1
- 1Meslier
- 2AylingSubstituted forSpenceat 81′minutes
- 14Rodon
- 21Struijk
- 17Shackleton
- 22GraySubstituted forKamaraat 88′minutes
- 4Ampadu
- 10Summerville
- 7Piroe
- 29Gnonto
- 24RutterBooked at 79mins
Substitutes
- 5Cresswell
- 8Kamara
- 18Gyabi
- 27Poveda
- 28Darlow
- 30Gelhardt
- 33Hjelde
- 39Spence
- 49Joseph
Sheff Wed
Formation 5-4-1
- 36Vásquez
- 13PatersonSubstituted forValentínat 90′minutes
- 17Bernard
- 5Diaby
- 23Famewo
- 15DelgadoBooked at 35mins
- 11WindassBooked at 61mins
- 8Byers
- 10Bannan
- 9GregorySubstituted forIorfaat 67′minutes
- 24SmithSubstituted forFletcherat 70′minutes
Substitutes
- 1Dawson
- 2Palmer
- 4Vaulks
- 6Iorfa
- 14Valentín
- 19Bakinson
- 20Ihiekwe
- 27Fletcher
- 45Musaba
- Referee:
- Dean Whitestone
- Attendance:
- 36,484
Live Text
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Match ends, Leeds United 0, Sheffield Wednesday 0.
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Second Half ends, Leeds United 0, Sheffield Wednesday 0.
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Attempt blocked. Crysencio Summerville (Leeds United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Wilfried Gnonto.
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Djed Spence (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Bambo Diaby (Sheffield Wednesday).
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Foul by Ethan Ampadu (Leeds United).
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Pol Valentín (Sheffield Wednesday) wins a free kick on the right wing.
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Substitution, Sheffield Wednesday. Pol Valentín replaces Callum Paterson.
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Attempt missed. Joël Piroe (Leeds United) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right from a direct free kick.
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Crysencio Summerville (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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Foul by Juan Delgado (Sheffield Wednesday).
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Substitution, Leeds United. Glen Kamara replaces Archie Gray.
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Corner, Leeds United. Conceded by Di’Shon Bernard.
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Attempt blocked. Wilfried Gnonto (Leeds United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Pascal Struijk.
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Pascal Struijk (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Ashley Fletcher (Sheffield Wednesday).
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Attempt missed. Ethan Ampadu (Leeds United) left footed shot from the left side of the box is too high. Assisted by Jamie Shackleton.
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Attempt blocked. Crysencio Summerville (Leeds United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Jamie Shackleton.
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Djed Spence (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Barry Bannan (Sheffield Wednesday).