Leeds United’s winless run in the Premier League extended to six games as they were held to a disappointing draw by Brentford.
Jesse Marsh’s side had the better chances and forced Brentford goalkeeper David Raya into a number of good saves at Elland Road.
Youngster Wilfried Gonto, fresh from his double in Wednesday’s FA Cup win over Cardiff, made the perfect opening but Raya kept his effort out.
Brentford failed to get a shot on target but kept their defensive discipline to keep out Leeds and extend their unbeaten run to eight games in a row.
Bees forward Ivan Toney cut an isolated figure up front and his frustration boiled over with a tussle with Robin Koch for possession which led to him being shown a yellow card.
The point lifted Leeds into 15th place, one point above the relegation zone, while Brentford moved up to eighth.
The result matches Brentford but Leeds show signs of improvement.
These two sides have scored 14 goals in their three Premier League meetings, but have lacked clear-cut chances at either end of the pitch.
Marsh and his Leeds side are under pressure and the stalemate means the hosts have won just once at Elland Road since August.
But it was a promising display as Leeds had more of the ball and had five shots on target. Standing in their way was the in-form Raya, who made six saves to ensure a clean sheet for Thomas Frank.
January signing Max Wuber, making his first league start in place of injured captain Liam Cooper, produced the first try with a curling free-kick that went well wide.
Rodrigo then forced Raya into an acrobatic save before the break as Leeds went ahead, but the end product was lacking.
When Gnonto was played in at an angle, the Italian’s well-struck effort was at a comfortable height for Raya to react and dive back to safety.
Leeds’ determination against a side who have won their last three league games will delight the home crowd, but they lacked the clinical edge to convert a point into three and give themselves more of a safety cushion.
Brentford were resolute in form and difficult to break down, and a hard-earned point on the road keeps them in the hunt for European football.
