A flying start to the Premier League season is quickly unraveling for Leeds United following a 5-2 loss to Brentford. After Ivan Toney completed his hat trick for the Bees on Saturday, Leeds’ day went from bad to worse as manager Jesse Marsch was sent off following his protest of a non-penalty call just after the hour mark.
Jesse Marsch going crazy on the touch line because he thinks Leeds should have a penalty for a foul on Summerville by Hickey.
— Jay Harris (@jaydmharris) September 3, 2022
Jesse Marsch has spent more time on the pitch than in his technical area this afternoon
He's now spending the rest of the afternoon in the stands as he's sent off3-1 ⚪#BrentfordFC | #BRELEE
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) September 3, 2022
The incident occurred when Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville was brought down by Aaron Hickey inside the box. Many in the stadium believed it deserved a second look at least, but the referee felt no check was necessary, to which Marsch made his abundant displeasure very clear.
As a result of his protests, he was sent off, leaving his side to fend for itself, down 3-1 at the time.
Ivan Toney makes it look easy. #BRELEE - NOW on @USA_Network. pic.twitter.com/AkcCUzRKQ7
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 3, 2022
Two for Toney! #BRELEE - NOW on @USA_Network. pic.twitter.com/BvFAOHC2CD
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 3, 2022
IVAN TONEY HAT TRICK #BRELEE - NOW on @USA_Network. #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/RhmaeFRlp7
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 3, 2022
Up to that point, the story of the match had been Ivan Toney and his tremendous efforts up front for Brentford. All three of his goals were coolness personified and included a calm penalty, a brilliant free-kick and a scrumptious chip after dancing past Leeds keeper Illan Meslier, who was some distance from his own goal.
Leeds managed to bring one back in the 79th minute before it was immediately nullified by a fourth from Brentford. A fifth goal followed suit a minute into stoppage time.
Leeds looked massively off the pace on Saturday, but this win should speak more to the quality of Brentford, which now sits level on points with Liverpool, only behind on goal difference. A thorough win against Manchester United and now Leeds shows exactly the kind of performances Thomas Frank’s side is capable of.
Man United seeing Leeds concede 4 at Brentford pic.twitter.com/8JJUdZjm80
— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) September 3, 2022
️ "I would be disappointed if they allowed him to be on the pitch"
Leeds boss Jesse Marsch says he'll be disappointed if the FA allow Thomas Tuchel to be on the touchline during their clash on Sunday pic.twitter.com/wxUFnI0C5x— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 19, 2022
Following the debacle between Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel earlier in the season, which Marsch himself spoke on, it remains to be seen if the American’s suspension will see him banned from the Elland Road bench next weekend when Leeds takes on Nottingham Forest.