Leeds United were caught out by a stoppage time sucker punch from Chris Martin as rivals Derby County took an unexpected point at Elland Road on Saturday lunchtime.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side were facing the Rams for the first time since their humiliation on home soil in the playoff semi-final back in May.
EFL Championship leaders Leeds headed into today’s game as clear favourites to pick up another three points and dominated in the game for the opening 90 minutes.
Patrick Bamford had missed an excellent chance to open the scoring before the hosts eventually broke the deadlock on 20 minutes. Derby had failed to clear a corner before Stuart Dallas’ powerful effort was parried by goalkeeper Kelle Roos into defender Max Lowe, rebounding into the back of the net.
Former Derby loanee Bamford had a very good game aside from his finishing. He managed to find the post from three yards out when he only had to slide the ball into the back of the net. Another striker could easily have turned his chances into a hat-trick.
A home victory never looked in doubt and Leeds had the opportunity to wrap up the three points from the penalty spot after Bamford was tripped inside the area by Scott Malone.
Mateusz Klich stepped up and nonchalantly rolled the ball wide of the post as Roos dived in the opposite direction.
Derby had been stuck in their own half for virtually of the game to this point before Phillip Cocu’s substitutions saw the East Midlands clubs have possession in their opponents’ half.
One of those introductions, Chris Martin, proved pivotal, as the striker popped up inside the penalty area to receive Jamie Paterson to slide into the corner of Kiko Casilla’s goal in the 91st minute with what was Derby’s one and only shot on target all game.
The draw leaves Leeds top of the table on 17 points before the 3pm kickoffs whilst Derby are still looking over the relegation zone on eight points after eight games.
