Leeds United moved four points clear of the relegation zone as they played out an uninspiring 0-0 draw with Brentford at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke’s men had an opportunity to put some distance between themselves and 18th-placed West Ham with only a third Premier League win since the turn of the year.
But chances were extremely sparse in a game that will not live long in the memory, as Brentford dropped points against a side at the wrong end of the table for the second time in six days.
The Bees could have moved level with sixth-placed Chelsea with a victory but, following their 2-2 home draw with bottom side Wolves on Monday, Keith Andrews’ side showed little of the attacking flair that has defined a hugely impressive season.
Brentford could live to rue those four dropped points in a crowded fight for European football next season.
Leeds, meanwhile, will be watching on Sunday with great interest on Sunday as West Ham visit Aston Villa and fellow strugglers Tottenham and Nottingham Forest meet in North London.
Despite some nervy moments for Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, the home crowd had little to shout about in the first half, with Lukas Nmecha’s long-range drive representing their best opportunity.
The most clear-cut chance for either side came when Mathias Jensen surged down the left, only to misfire into the side-netting.
Leeds looked the more likely goal scorers late on, but a series of balls into the box and long throws failed to yield any dividends.
While a point against a side chasing European football for the first time may in isolation be viewed as a good result, Leeds will still have reason to look over their shoulders on Sunday regardless of the outcomes in the massive games in Birmingham and the capital.
