Leeds United extended their unbeaten Premier League start but were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against an improved Crystal Palace at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke’s side entered the game with confidence after their impressive 4-1 victory over Newcastle, but Palace created the better opportunities and were denied a second-half winner by VAR.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin had Leeds’ clearest opportunity but could not continue his recent scoring form when presented with a point-blank chance.
VAR denies Palace after strong second-half spell
Palace were disciplined without the ball and looked dangerous whenever they broke forward.
James Trafford was required to save from Daichi Kamada during the first half before producing an excellent stop to keep out Yeremy Pino’s free-kick shortly after the interval.
The visitors thought they had finally found their breakthrough when Tyrick Mitchell finished after Anan Khalaili’s cross deflected off Tarik Muharemovic.
Referee Adam Herczeg initially awarded the goal on his Premier League debut, but VAR intervened after Khalaili was judged offside.
Palace continued threatening afterwards, with Adam Wharton influential in midfield and Kamada sending a header narrowly wide.
Calvert-Lewin misses Leeds’ biggest opportunity
Leeds nearly punished Palace immediately after the disallowed goal.
James Justin delivered into the area and Calvert-Lewin found himself with a close-range opportunity, but his effort was directed straight at Walter Benitez.
It proved Leeds’ best chance of the afternoon.
Muharemovic was particularly important at the opposite end, producing crucial interventions to deny Jorgen Strand Larsen and substitute Ismaila Sarr.
Palace arrived having conceded a league-high 11 goals this season, but Pierre Sage’s organised defensive structure prevented Leeds from creating another clear opportunity.
Farke’s side therefore remain unbeaten five matches into their second Premier League season, although this was a considerably more frustrating afternoon than their emphatic victory over Newcastle.
Key points
- Leeds and Crystal Palace drew 0-0 at Elland Road.
- Leeds remain unbeaten after their opening five Premier League matches.
- Tyrick Mitchell had a Palace goal disallowed by VAR for offside in the build-up.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed Leeds’ best opportunity from close range.
- James Trafford and Tarik Muharemovic made important defensive contributions for Leeds.
What’s next?
Leeds can take encouragement from maintaining their unbeaten record, but Farke will want greater attacking quality after Palace successfully restricted his side.
For Palace, the performance represented a significant improvement defensively after conceding 11 league goals before their trip to Elland Road.
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