Leeds United extended their unbeaten start to the Premier League season with a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Sunday. The point moves Daniel Farke's side to sixth in the table with eight points from their opening four matches, having scored 7 goals so far this campaign.
Daniel Farke admitted his team would have preferred a victory but accepted the reality of a tough contest. "Of course, we would have preferred to win this game," the manager said. "But, reality is, it’s not 38 game days of magic nights under the floodlights, champagne football, you overrun the opponent and you score goals for fun."
A scruffy Sunday
The match was a stark contrast to the previous Monday's 4-1 demolition of Newcastle United under the lights. Farke described it as a "scruffy Sunday afternoon when you have to dig in." Crystal Palace's midfield, led by Quinten Timber and Adam Wharton, proved a constant challenge, while Kamada and Pino found space in the channels Leeds struggled to contain.
Leeds had to rely on defensive resilience. Gabriel Gudmundsson was involved in a key intervention that saw a Khalaili goal ruled out for offside by VAR, and James Justin made a vital block to deny a chance for Mitchell. At the other end, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the club's top scorer this season with three goals in four appearances, had a clear opportunity but fired straight at Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez.
"There were many things I liked," Farke added. "I liked we extended our unbeaten run, I liked our clean sheet and I liked if we can’t win a game, we don’t lose it." The clean sheet was a positive after conceding nine goals across their previous two league outings, including a 6-3 defeat at Chelsea. Leeds's recent form shows they have taken 7 points from the last 9 available.
Looking ahead
The result preserves a solid platform ahead of a difficult trip to face second-placed Arsenal on Saturday, October 10. Leeds will head into that fixture with their unbeaten record intact, a fact that provides a foundation for the challenges ahead.
With the international break now underway, Farke's squad has time to regroup. The point against Palace, while not the three many fans hoped for, ensures Leeds remain firmly in the top-half mix. Their current position of sixth, just four points behind leaders Manchester City, reflects a steady opening to the campaign. For the latest squad news and player statistics, visit our squad and stats sections. The team travels to the Emirates Stadium for a 12.30pm BST kick-off on October 10.
More detail at The Athletic
Manager Daniel Farke described his feelings as "mixed emotions" after the goalless draw. He said, "We would have preferred to win, but the reality is it is 38 game days." Leeds, now fifth in the Premier League with 9 points from 5 games, failed to register a shot on target in the first 40 minutes. The club confirmed that signing Farke to a new contract is a priority, with his current deal expiring next summer.
Manager Daniel Farke described his feelings as "mixed emotions" after the goalless draw. He said, "We would have preferred to win, but the reality is it is 38 game days." Leeds, now fifth in the Premier League with 9 points from 5 games, failed to register a shot on target in the first 40 minutes. The club confirmed that signing Farke to a new contract is a priority, with his current deal expiring next summer.
