Done Deal: Leeds United Has Signed Arsenal Star Eddie Nketiah To Replace..

Leeds United couldn’t kick off their new Championship promotion campaign with a win, and the fans weren’t particularly pleased. Here’s what our YEP Jury thought about Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Portsmouth at Elland Road.

NEIL GREWER

This was a match Leeds should have won within the first 15 minutes but nearly lost. It’s a case of two points dropped in what was an entertaining but ultimately disappointing game.

Leeds struck the woodwork several times early on, while Portsmouth rarely posed a real threat. Some of Pompey’s tackles seemed more suited to a rugby match, and their time-wasting tactics were frustratingly effective.

However, Portsmouth capitalized on their opportunities, aided by Illan Meslier’s struggles to save two shots that seemed stoppable and some disorganized defending, especially between Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo, who appeared unsure of their positioning, leaving the right-back spot exposed.

On the bright side, I was glad to see Mateo Joseph start and deliver a solid performance, and it was encouraging that Daniel Farke made multiple substitutions earlier than usual to try to impact the game.

While the substitutions were sensible in theory, they didn’t quite have the desired effect, allowing Portsmouth to gain a foothold. Nevertheless, Brenden Aaronson managed to equalize and came close to winning the game with the last kick.

Men of the match: Ethan Ampadu (faultless and persistent) and Dan James (a constant threat).

ANDY RHODES

As we learned last season, the Championship offers unrivaled chaos week in and week out.

After enduring plenty of that chaos last season, we might have hoped for a smoother start to this one. But, as usual, Leeds don’t do things the easy way.

Willy Gnonto looked sharp, and it was good to see Pascal Struijk back and Mateo Joseph in the starting lineup. Portsmouth, the League One champions, likely saw this as a free hit and were always going to fancy their chances. For Leeds, however, the pressure is already mounting.

It may take a few games for Daniel Farke’s squad to find their rhythm. Last season, we hit 90 points despite an opening-day draw with Cardiff City. But we do need some new signings, especially to add a cutting edge. We were promised that a full 49ers pre-season would give us the advantage we lacked last season. Time will tell if that’s the case.

Man of the match: Willy Gnonto.

DAVID WATKINS

This match felt like a repeat of last season’s opener against Cardiff City—Leeds were dominant but lacked defensive solidity and cutting edge up front.

Willy Gnonto struck the bar when he should have scored, and Ethan Ampadu’s header and Ilia Gruev’s free-kick were unlucky to hit the woodwork as Leeds started strongly. When referee Oliver Langford awarded a penalty after Dan James was fouled and Pascal Struijk converted, it seemed Leeds were on track.

Unfortunately, a lapse in concentration allowed Portsmouth to equalize, and a poor clearance led to a fine strike that put Pompey ahead before halftime. Leeds responded well with a solo goal from Gnonto, bringing the score to 2-2, mirroring that Cardiff game.

Things looked grim again when a dubious penalty was awarded and converted in added time, but Leeds fought back to equalize through a deflected shot from Brenden Aaronson. He could have won it for Leeds moments later but missed the target. It’s early days, but Leeds may need to sharpen up if they’re to consistently finish off teams.

Man of the match: It’s hard to single anyone out—everyone had their moments.