Daniel Farke values Leeds resilience as unbeaten Premier League start continues

Daniel Farke believes Leeds United showed another important side to their game by protecting their unbeaten Premier League start during a frustrating 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.

Leeds entered the international break with nine points from their opening five matches after failing to reproduce the attacking fluency that had helped them beat Newcastle 4-1.

Farke admitted there were mixed emotions at Elland Road, but was pleased his team found a way to collect a point when they were below their best.

Leeds struggled to break down a well-organised Palace side and were fortunate when Tyrick Mitchell’s second-half goal was disallowed by VAR.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin subsequently had Leeds’ best opportunity but fired his close-range effort straight at Walter Benitez.

Farke acknowledged the performance lacked quality in possession, but believes learning to survive difficult afternoons is an important part of competing in the Premier League.

“Reality is it is not 38 magic nights under floodlights, champagne football and you overrun the opponent,” Farke told the media.

“Sometimes it is also when you have to dig in.”

The Leeds boss particularly valued another clean sheet and the mentality his players displayed when victory was proving difficult.

“If we then also can’t win a game, we showed that attitude that, okay, at least we don’t lose it,” he added.

Farke was less satisfied with Leeds’ attacking performance.

He felt his players were “too loose with the ball” and moved possession from side to side without enough speed to disrupt Palace’s defensive structure.

The Leeds manager also credited Pierre Sage’s side for making life difficult, believing Palace’s organisation has been evident across their recent domestic and European performances.

For Farke, that made protecting the point particularly important.

Leeds may not have delivered another emphatic performance, but nine points from five matches and an unbeaten record provide a strong platform heading into the first international break of 2026/27.

Leeds now have the international break to assess an encouraging opening five matches and work on the attacking issues exposed by Palace.

Farke will want greater speed and precision in possession when domestic football resumes, while retaining the resilience that has helped Leeds navigate the opening weeks without defeat.