Leeds United failed to reclaim the top spot in the Championship but managed to secure a late equalizer against Watford, extending their unbeaten league streak to 14 games.
The home team delivered what could arguably be their strongest performance of the season, with Vakoun Bayo and Emmanuel Dennis finding the net before halftime, sandwiching a remarkable goal from Crysencio Summerville, giving them a 2-1 lead at the break.
However, substitute Mateo Joseph swiftly equalized just 25 seconds after entering the pitch, prolonging Watford’s winless streak at Vicarage Road to 10 league matches.
Despite Leeds United’s second-place position, they fell behind Ipswich by one point after conceding twice in a league match for the first time since Boxing Day.
Though Watford showed promise early on, they struggled to create many clear chances until goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann made a crucial save to deny Summerville’s strike from the edge of the box.
Watford took the lead deservedly after Edo Kayembe’s midfield interception led to a swift counterattack, culminating in Dennis’s shot being parried by Illan Meslier into the path of Bayo, who volleyed in the rebound.
Summerville then leveled the score with a superb solo effort, curling the ball past Bachmann from the edge of the area.
Despite Mattie Pollock’s header being saved by Meslier, Dennis regained the lead for the hosts just before halftime with a dazzling solo goal.
Leeds dominated possession in the second half but struggled to convert their opportunities until Joseph’s immediate impact off the bench, slotting home Summerville’s low cross.
Both teams pressed for a late winner, with Watford’s Jaidon Anthony denied by a brilliant save from Bachmann and Leeds unable to capitalize on their chances, resulting in a share of the points.
Watford interim manager Tom Cleverley:
“I thought it was a much stronger performance even though we have not got the three points. For the first 65 minutes we were excellent, I’m really proud of the players tonight.
“What pleased me most was the focus of the players, not one switched off.
“Now my job is to create a game plan to win every game and I thought the players absolutely nailed it.”
Leeds boss Daniel Farke:
“I will take this point all day long. I am really happy and proud of the boys. We played this game at the worst possible moment. Watford, they have a new manager and there is new belief, he knows the players inside out and they were unleashed and had a great start.
“We had the worst possible international break. For us three players came back injured and three Welsh players had the disappointment of not being allowed to go to the Euros. We had not one first team training session as a team.
“We had to play this game by just pressing a button and we were not at our best rhythm. Then to play such a second half, I’m pretty happy with the outcome.”