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Leeds secured a late 2-2 draw at Watford on Good Friday but missed the chance to reclaim top spot in the Championship.

After Ipswich’s 1-0 win at Blackburn saw them move above Leicester and Leeds to the summit, Daniel Farke’s side needed a victory to reclaim their previous position of league leaders.

But they faced a well-drilled Watford – especially in the first half – and the hosts deservedly took the lead through Vakoun Bayo (30).

Leeds replied in style though as Crysencio Summerville curled home a stunning effort (37), but this was matched by Emmanuel Dennis (44) as Watford went into the break ahead.

The visitors dominated the ball for much of the second half without creating too much. However, after being on the field for just 25 seconds, Mateo Joseph (85) secured a much-needed point for Leeds.

Ultimately, Farke’s side missed the chance to go top of the Championship – although remain unbeaten in 2024 – now a point behind Ipswich and one ahead of Leicester – who lost to Bristol City earlier on Friday. Watford are also unbeaten in their first two games under interim manager Tom Cleverley, and remain in 14th place.

How Leeds came from behind for a point

Watford began brightly in Tom Cleverley’s first match at Vicarage Road as interim manager. They won early set pieces and had a shout for a penalty – but Ethan Amapdu’s coming together with Yasser Aspirilla was not enough for a spot kick.

But Leeds did fire off a warning shot in the 16th minute. Crysencio Summerville skipped past two Watford players before striking from the left of the box, forcing a fine save from Daniel Bachmann.

The hosts made the breakthrough just after the half-hour mark. It was a great break from Watford, with Dennis’ initial strike parried by Illan Meslier. But Bayo was lurking on the right to hook the ball home.

And it took a moment of sheer quality to see Leeds level soon after. Glen Kamara slotted in Summerville down the left wing. He then darted past his marker, opening up some space before curling home superb effort into the top corner.

But anything Summerville could do, Dennis had a reply as he fired Watford back in front. He picked up the ball down the right wing before squaring up to Cooper. He found his space before fizzing a sublime effort around the Leeds defenders and past the goalkeeper.

The second half was a far more even affair and both had early openings. Mattie Pollock nodded wide from a Watford corner, while Summerville showed his class again as a shot from close range was stopped by Bachmann.

The game soon began to meander, but Leeds certainly saw the better of the play. They were rewarded for their efforts as well late on in what was a scrappy equaliser. Jospeh’s first effort was blocked, but the ball was eventually turned home after a Jamal Lewis’ clearance ricocheted off the Leeds man.

It showed Leeds’ mettle to come from behind twice to secure a point, but may feel disappointed to have not taken the chance to go back top of the Championship heading into Easter Monday.

Deeney: I want Dennis to do more

Troy Deeney on Sky Sports:

“Watford tactically were fantastic. They’ll be really happy with how the shape was and everyone knew their roles and responsibilities really well.

“I think he [Cleverley] will be disappointed that they invited the pressure in the second half. But Dennis going off for two games in a row now and you’re questioning why. It’s killing the team a little bit and in the long-term, they’ll have to look at that.”

Nigel Pearson on Sky Sports:

“In the context of what we’ve seen, they’ve come back to take something out of the game when they didn’t play very well.

“They would expect to go there and play better. They could have given themselves a much better chance to win it if they’d started with the intent they played with at the end.

“Fair play to Watford, in the first half, they were very positive, they used their pace and power well.

“It’s a decent point in the end for Leeds bearing in mind they’ve been well under par today.”

The managers

Watford’s Tom Cleverley:

To follow…

Leeds’ Daniel Farke:

To follow…