Leeds were very slow to get going and Watford went ahead just after the half hour mark through Vakoun Bayo who rifled home a fine first-time finish after Illan Meslier had saved from Emmanuel Dennis but parried the ball into his path.
From nothing, the Whites drew level in stunning style just six minutes later through Crysencio Summerville who cut in from the left flank before producing a stunning curler into the opposite corner. Watford, though, immediately responded and went back ahead in the 44th minute through Dennis who cut in from the right and skipped past Liam Cooper before smashing home a low drive into the bottom left.
Despite United’s attempts to rally after the break, the Dennis strike looked set to give the Hornets all three points but young striker Mateo Joseph came off the bench to bag an 85th-minute equaliser with his first touches of the game.
Leeds United writer Joe Donnohue hands out the scores from the stalemate which ultimately led to Daniel Farke’s side dropping from first place to second.
7. Glen Kamara
6 - Suffered at the hands of the Watford press. Couldn't get the ball out of his feet on one too many occasions. Photo: John Walton
8. Dan James
6 - Started brightly but faded quickly and failed to rediscover the spark. Photo: John Walton
9. Crysencio Summerville
8 - Leeds' main attacking threat and scored a beautiful curling effort to get Leeds back in the game. Made the incisive run which led to United's second as well. Photo: John Walton
10. Georginio Rutter
6 - Couldn't make it stick up top but showed glimpses of his creativity. Not frequently enough, though. Photo: Alex Pantling
11. Patrick Bamford
6 - Rag-dolled and passed around the Watford back three during the first half but held it up better and contributed in the second. Photo: John Walton
12. Junior Firpo (sub)
7 - Changed the way Leeds attacked when he came on, gave them greater impetus and link-up down the left. Photo: Alex Pantling