W Brom 0 – 0 Leeds

Leeds started the new season still without a win, but they did manage to keep their first clean sheet in a 0-0 draw against West Brom at the Hawthorns.

There were few real chances as Alex Palmer and Illan Meslier, joint winners of the Golden Glove award in last season’s championship, held firm behind strong defences.

That will come as a relief to Leeds as they conceded three goals in their previous two games, including the away match against Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup.

But Leeds fans showed their frustration by booing when their passes were bounced back, and more boos were heard after the final whistle.

The visitors were without striker Georginio Rutter after Brighton activated a £40m buyout clause in his contract, with Joel Piroe replacing him for United in the only change.

Although Albion – who were looking to bounce back from their shock midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood, having opened their league campaign with a 3-1 win over QPR – had a number of corners and plenty of possession early in the game, Leeds had the early chances.

Junior Firpo looked over Ilia Gruev’s corner and had the chance to score. Ethan Ampadu tried from about 55 yards but his ambitious effort went just wide, while Palmer was standing next to his goal.

Leeds defender Jayden Bogle was the first player to receive a yellow card after he brought down Tom Fellows just outside the penalty area.

That incident led to West Brom’s first danger when a free-kick from John Swift at the far post hit the chest of former Leeds defender Kyle Bartley and went harmlessly wide.

Leeds came closest to opening the score just before half-time in the first half.

Pascal Struijk headed a Gruev free-kick with a sharp header against Baggies defender Semi Ajayi, but it went just wide.

Albion started the second half brightly and were the first to score in the 50th minute.

Swift started and nearly helped complete the move by picking up the ball deep before spreading play to Fellows.

The youngster made contact with former Reading man Swift, who set up Jayson Molumby for a 15-yard drive which went straight at Meslier.

Leeds’ first attempt on goal came in the 57th minute, but it was a weak header from Ethan Ampadu from a Gruev cross that was easy for Palmer.

Later, Piroe should have done better for the visitors, but his contact with Joseph’s low cross was poor.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke made a double substitution in the 64th minute in an attempt to turn the tide in his team.

Joe Rothwell and Brenden Aaronson replaced Piroe and Dan James, both of whom were virtually anonymous.

Albion missed a good chance when Karlan Grant fired the ball wide from a pass from Molumby after the midfielder had cleared a pass to Rothwell.

The Baggies threatened again but Bartley was unable to control his shot through the air after Josh Maja angled a cross from Furlong towards goal.

Leeds shot back with a header from Struijk, which went wide after a corner from Gruev.

But Albion will be disappointed not to have won this match, when they looked more dangerous.

The managers

West Brom’s Carlos Corberan:

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Daniel Farke from Leeds:

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