adminLeeds United were unable to follow up their impressive victory over Newcastle United as they endured a frustrating 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace at Elland Road today.
The atmosphere around the stadium had understandably been positive after Leeds delivered one of their finest performances of the season to defeat Newcastle 4-1 under the lights. Expectations were therefore high ahead of Palace’s visit.
On paper, it appeared to be a favourable chance for Daniel Farke’s side. Palace had conceded 11 goals in their opening four Premier League games and suffered three defeats, but Leeds failed to make their dominance tell and never looked capable of replicating Monday night’s attacking performance.
In fact, the visitors believed they had done enough to claim all three points when they found the back of the net. Thankfully for Leeds, VAR stepped in, and the goal was disallowed for offside.
Had it been allowed to stand, it would have been a hugely embarrassing result for the Whites, especially so soon after their outstanding win over Newcastle.
Adam Wharton makes honest Leeds United admission
The Crystal Palace midfielder highlighted how challenging it is to play Leeds at Elland Road and how intimidating the atmosphere can be for an away team.
He said Palace experienced that first-hand last season after suffering a heavy defeat at Elland Road. However, he suggested that they had learned from that encounter.
The Palace midfielder explained that the plan was to make life difficult for Leeds and prevent them from getting the home supporters involved, while insisting the match could have gone either way towards the closing stages.
Wharton said on Sky Sports: “We know how difficult it is to come here because of the crowd and the atmosphere.
“It’s difficult to come away with anything, really. Last year we found that, and we had a battering, really.
We wanted to make it difficult for them to play against us, limit their chances and also try and create chances.
“I think it was a tight game and could have gone either way, as at the end it was end-to-end.
“It’s a strong point.
Leeds indeed found it difficult to get going
Some 0-0 draws can be entertaining, but this was certainly not one of them. Leeds lacked intensity and rhythm at Elland Road today.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin had one excellent opportunity that he failed to convert, but beyond that, Leeds created very few clear-cut chances to seriously test Palace.
The visitors’ goal was rightly ruled out, but it is difficult to argue that they will not be pleased with the point they are taking back to London.
It was also a sobering reality check for Leeds, and while they remain unbeaten, they are now aware that plenty of work is still required for this team to establish itself as a top-half Premier League side.
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